LAHORE, November 23, 2023 – The Punjab government has declared an emergency closure of all educational institutions across several divisions for the upcoming Friday and Saturday.
The Relief Commission has identified Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan, Sargodha, Faisalabad, and Sahiwal as calamity-affected areas due to the dense smog enveloping these regions. The notification emphasizes the need for “restricted movement” within these divisions to mitigate the impact of the smog crisis.
According to the official announcement, the closure applies to both public and private sectors, encompassing schools, colleges, universities, and other educational establishments. This measure is part of a broader strategy to control and prevent the adverse effects of the smog that has blanketed parts of the province.
The notification also stipulates that all markets, shops, and restaurants in the affected areas will commence operations after 3:00 PM on both days. Similarly, offices are instructed to open after 3:00 PM on Saturday, suggesting a concerted effort to reduce congestion and pollution during peak hours.
