LAHORE: October 28, 2024: The Punjab government has implemented new school timings in Lahore due to severe smog conditions, effective today.
With the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore reported to exceed 500 on Monday morning, the Schools Education Department announced that all public and private schools will now start classes at 8:45 am.
This new schedule will remain in place until January 31, 2025.
To protect students from the hazardous air quality, classes will be held indoors, and outdoor activities will be restricted until conditions improve.
This decision comes after the Punjab Environment Department advised the government to adjust school timings in light of the worsening smog.
Lahore’s high AQI levels have placed it among the most polluted cities in the world, primarily due to toxic smog drifting from nearby Indian cities such as Delhi, Chandigarh, and Amritsar.