Lahore District Education Authority Makes Masks Mandatory for Students Amid Smog

What Happened

The District Education Authority (DEA) Lahore has issued new directives for public and private schools making masks mandatory for students, according to Daily Times [1] and ProPakistani [2]. Both reports were published on 12 November 2026 [1][2].

The DEA has instructed school administrations to ensure students use masks and to strictly implement the standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued for protection against smog [1][2]. The CEO of the Education Authority has directed that students be encouraged to drink plenty of water, and that awareness seminars on smog protection and precautionary measures be conducted in schools [1][2]. Authorities have told school administrations to ensure full compliance with all smog-protection SOPs to safeguard students’ health [1][2].

Daily Times reports that Lahore topped the global air pollution ranking as hazardous smog engulfed the city. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 351, and the Paragon area was the worst-affected locality, with an AQI of 661 [1]. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the maximum temperature in Lahore is expected to reach 29 degrees Celsius and the minimum 18 degrees Celsius. Humidity and low wind speeds are contributing to the persistence of smog, and the city has a 10 per cent chance of rainfall [1].

Who Is Affected

• Students in all public and private schools in Lahore covered by the DEA directives [1][2]
• Children, elderly people, and patients with respiratory or cardiovascular ailments, whom medical experts identified as being at particular risk from the smog [1]
• Residents of the Paragon area, which Daily Times identifies as the worst-affected locality [1]

What Students Should Do Next

Medical experts have advised residents, particularly children, elderly people and patients with respiratory or heart conditions, to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure, wear appropriate protective masks and seek medical attention if they experience breathing difficulties [1].

Students are required to wear masks under the DEA directives [1][2], and schools have been asked to encourage them to drink plenty of water [1][2].