The Punjab government has announced the closure of schools in five additional divisions due to worsening smog conditions.
Starting from November 13 to 17, all schools up to grade 12 in Dera Ghazi Khan, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Bahawalpur, and Rawalpindi divisions will remain closed. During this period, teaching will shift to online platforms. In addition, private tuition centers will also be closed until November 17.
This brings the total number of divisions affected by school closures to nine, as Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Multan divisions had already implemented closures due to the severe air pollution. Health officials have reported an increase in respiratory issues, including pink eye, chest infections, and allergies, in these areas.
The Director General of Environment Punjab has urged citizens to limit outdoor activities unless absolutely necessary. An official notification regarding the closures has been issued.
