Punjab Govt announces New School Timings amid improved air quality
The Environment Department has urged schools to adhere to these guidelines, emphasizing the importance of mitigating the effects of smog and air pollution.
LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced new school timings across the province, including Lahore, starting from December 4. This change comes in response to the recent improvement in air quality, with private and government schools now allowed to begin classes at 8:15 AM, a half-hour earlier than the previous start time of 8:45 AM.
The decision was formalized by the Director General of the Environment Department, Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, who issued an official notification. The new timings will apply uniformly to all schools in the province.
This adjustment reflects the recent improvement in the air quality index (AQI) across Punjab, following a period of hazardous smog levels that had prompted school closures earlier in the year. Schools in Lahore and Multan had reopened on November 20 after restrictions were eased due to the dangerous air quality. However, even with the reopening, certain guidelines remain in place to ensure the health and safety of students and staff.
Despite the change in timings, the following measures will continue to be enforced:
- Mask mandate: Both students and teachers are required to wear masks throughout the school day.
- Ban on outdoor activities: All outdoor sports and co-curricular activities will remain suspended.
- School start time: No school will open before 8:45 AM.
The Environment Department has urged schools to adhere to these guidelines, emphasizing the importance of mitigating the effects of smog and air pollution.
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The new school timings and continued safety measures aim to balance the need for regular schooling while safeguarding the health of students and staff in the wake of air quality concerns.
