New school timings announced in Punjab

The Punjab government has announced revised school timings across the province, including Lahore, in response to improved air quality conditions.

Starting December 4, both private and government schools will begin classes at 8:15 am, half an hour earlier than the previous schedule.

Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, the director general of the environment department, issued an official notification outlining the change, which applies uniformly to all schools in Punjab.

This decision aligns with the recent improvement in the region’s Air Quality Index (AQI). Schools in Lahore and Multan had reopened on November 20 after restrictions were eased following a significant rise in smog levels across Punjab.

Although in-person classes have resumed after closures caused by hazardous air quality, some safety measures for the health and well-being of students and staff remain in effect.

School timings: Schools will not open before 8:45am.
Mask mandate: Students and teachers are required to wear masks throughout the school day.
Outdoor activities ban: All outdoor sports and co-curricular activities will be suspended.

The Environment Department had urged schools to strictly adhere to these guidelines to mitigate the impact of smog and air pollution.