The interim government in Punjab has decided against declaring a school holiday in Lahore this Wednesday. The proposal for a weekly Wednesday holiday across all educational institutions was previously under consideration as a response to the surge in air pollution.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore, the provincial capital, has reached hazardous levels, leading to concerns about the health and safety of students. Over the weekend, the AQI soared past the 500 mark, making Lahore the most polluted city globally. A thick layer of smog has blanketed the city, home to over 20 million people, ahead of winter.
Despite these alarming conditions, Bilal Afzal, the caretaker Minister for the Environment, ruled out the possibility of a school holiday this Wednesday. The decision was made following a key meeting of the Punjab Cabinet Committee on smog control, where the provincial administration reviewed the current situation.
While the schools will remain open, the minister assured that the incumbent authorities are implementing immediate and effective measures to curb air pollution. However, despite these efforts, the smog situation continues to worsen.
This decision has raised concerns among parents and educators who worry about the potential health risks posed by the worsening air quality. As the smog situation remains critical, the government’s actions to mitigate the crisis will be closely watched.
