Punjab Government Orders School Closures in Smog-Affected Districts

What Happened

• The Punjab government has ordered the closure of schools from primary to 12th class in the province’s most affected districts until November 17 [2].
• An advisory has been issued for the general public to wear masks in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Multan divisions until January 31, 2025 [2].
• On Wednesday, October 28, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 358, with a PM2.5 concentration of 254 micrograms per cubic metre [1].
• Other reports indicated Lahore’s AQI surged to 1,165 on Wednesday, with specific neighborhoods recording higher levels: Defence Phase VIII at 1,696, Davies Road at 1,464, and Gulberg at 1,306 [2].
• Monitoring stations in Lahore reported various high readings: Allama Iqbal Town B at 635, CERP Office at 599, and Burki Road Paragon at 457 [1].
• Senior minister Maryam Aurangzeb stated that smog drifting from India’s Rajasthan and other regions has intensified pollution in Multan, Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, and Gujranwala [2].
• A letter will be sent to the Foreign Office to request that Delhi take measures to address pollution [2].
• Maryam Aurangzeb noted that crop residue burning and violations of the plastic bag ban contribute to the smog [2].
• Officials warned that Lahore’s air quality reached levels nearly 80 times above the World Health Organization’s dangerous limit [2].

Who Is Affected

• Students from primary level to 12th class in the most affected districts of Punjab [2].
• Residents in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisal Faisal, and Multan divisions [2].
• Specifically, people in neighborhoods such as Defence Phase VIII, Davies Road, and Gulberg [2].
• Children, older people, and individuals with asthma are advised to take extra precautions [1].
• The general public in affected areas is now under a mandate to use masks in open public spaces [2].

What Students Should Do Next

• Students in affected districts must remain home as schools are closed until November 17 [2].
• Residents should wear appropriate protective masks when going outside [1, 2].
• Individuals should avoid spending unnecessary time outdoors and avoid physical exercise or strenuous activities in polluted environments [1].
• Those experiencing persistent coughing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness should seek medical guidance [1].