Despite the alarming surge in air pollution, the Punjab capital Lahore and several cities in the region have become some of the most polluted metropolises.
This has led to various proposals, including the suggestion of a mid-day holiday for all educational institutions.
While students are eagerly awaiting the holiday announcement, interim Punjab Education Minister Mansoor Qadir has stated that the government has decided not to close schools on Wednesday, October 18. He explained that due to the recent rain, the air quality has seen improvement, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) was previously at an alarmingly high level.
Qadir emphasized that for this week, schools will remain open. He mentioned that officials will hold regular meetings to address the smog issue and make decisions regarding holidays on a week-by-week basis. He also stressed the importance of raising awareness about air pollution, noting that every year, many people fall ill due to smog.
Furthermore, Qadir mentioned that the government has implemented Section 144 to combat smog and has placed restrictions on the number of cars allowed on the road.
