ISLAMABAD: Educational institutions across Pakistan’s most populous Punjab province, except for Lahore and Multan divisions, will reopen tomorrow, according to a notification issued by the province’s Environmental Protection Agency on Monday, following an improvement in air quality as smog conditions eased.
Toxic smog began affecting various cities in Punjab last month, as cold air trapped dust, diesel fumes and smoke from illegal stubble burning. In response, provincial authorities closed schools, restricted heavy transport on designated days and banned access to public spaces such as parks and playgrounds.
“The ambient air quality has improved in most districts of Punjab, due to rain in upper parts of Punjab, change in wind direction and speed,” the notification, signed by the EPA director general, said. “Therefore, all the educational institutions, except [in] Lahore and Multan divisions, shall be opened [with effect from] 19-11-2024 (Tuesday) with physical presence of students/staff.”
The notification announced students and staff must adhere to safety protocols, including wearing face masks, while outdoor sports and co-curricular activities would remain banned until further notice.
The decision follows weeks of severe smog that forced authorities in Punjab to close schools or shift them to online learning in several districts.
Smog has been a recurring problem during the winter months in the country, with authorities yet to find a sustainable solution to the crisis.
Earlier this month, NASA’s satellite imagery revealed a dense layer of smog stretching between Pakistan’s Lahore and India’s New Delhi, underscoring the severity of the environmental crisis.
The development has prompted climate experts to demand urgent action, as Pakistan’s meteorological department forecasts smog to persist until mid-December.
With schools reopening in most districts of Punjab, the EPA emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and compliance with safety measures, warning that smog could return if weather patterns shift or mitigation efforts are relaxed.
Pakistan’s Punjab to reopen schools from tomorrow as air quality improves in most districts
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Pakistan’s Punjab to reopen schools from tomorrow as air quality improves in most districts
- Province’s Environmental Protection Agency says its directive is not for Lahore and Multan where smog persists
- Smog has been a recurring problem during winter months, with authorities yet to find any sustainable solutions
Mashreq launches cross-border accounts for UAE-based Pakistanis with instant transfers home
- UAE-based Pakistanis can open Mashreq Pakistan accounts without branch visits
- The bank offers instant, fee-free remittances to its client through Quick Remit service
KARACHI: United Arab Emirates-based lender Mashreq announced the launch of a digital cross-border banking service on Thursday, allowing Pakistani nationals in the Gulf state to remotely open accounts in their home country and transfer money instantly without fees.
Remittances from the UAE, home to one of the largest Pakistani expatriate communities, rose 13.7 percent year-on-year to $4.78 billion in July-January FY26, compared with $4.21 billion a year earlier, according to State Bank of Pakistan data, highlighting the importance of the corridor to Pakistan’s economy.
Under the new arrangement, UAE-based Pakistani customers can open and operate a Mashreq Pakistan account entirely through its mobile app, eliminating the need for physical documentation or branch visits. Customers can view and manage both accounts through a unified dashboard.
“We are delighted to introduce this pioneering digital service, which marks a significant milestone for Mashreq and our customers,” Fernando Morillo, Group Head of Retail Banking at Mashreq, said in a statement.
“As the first bank in the UAE to enable non-resident Pakistanis to open accounts in their home country digitally ... we are demonstrating our commitment to reimagining banking through innovation,” he added. “Our zero-fee Quick Remit service further enhances the experience, empowering customers with greater convenience, speed, and value.”
Once activated, customers can send funds instantly to Pakistan using Quick Remit, a remittance feature available to Mashreq account holders.
Pakistani customers who open an account with Mashreq Pakistan will receive a current account with no minimum balance requirement and a domestic PayPak debit card, the statement said.
Muhammad Hamayun Sajjad, CEO of Mashreq Pakistan, said the initiative was aimed at strengthening digital financial connectivity for overseas Pakistanis.
“This milestone reflects our continued focus on building a robust digital financial ecosystem through technology-led solutions,” he said. “By enabling seamless and secure cross-border account opening, we are breaking down traditional banking barriers and delivering meaningful impact to our customers.”
Headquartered in Dubai, Mashreq operates across the Middle East and has expanded its digital banking offerings in recent years as competition intensifies in the region’s remittance and cross-border payments market.
