The Punjab government has announced the closure of all schools and colleges and introduced a work-from-home policy in response to worsening smog levels across several divisions.
Effective from November 17, educational institutions in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Multan will switch to online classes, while both public and private offices in these areas will operate at 50% in-person capacity, with the remaining employees expected to work remotely.
Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb outlined these measures in a press conference in Lahore, stating that the initiatives are aimed at reducing residents’ exposure to the high pollution levels currently plaguing the region.
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Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) recently exceeded 1,000, reaching hazardous levels due to a combination of local emissions and pollutants carried by winds from across the border.
The government has also mandated mask-wearing in public spaces, warning that the smog contains harmful pollutants.
To support online learning, the education department is providing resources to help schools transition smoothly. Aurangzeb encouraged parents to adapt to this temporary shift, prioritizing children’s health by keeping them indoors as much as possible.
Similarly, workplaces are urged to minimize in-office presence and make use of virtual platforms like Zoom. The government emphasized that these precautions are vital for public health and will be monitored closely, with further updates based on air quality assessments in the coming weeks.
