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
Pakistan deputy PM visits UAE for official talks, including with Etisalat
- Ishaq Dar arrives from Davos after attending the World Economic Forum
- Visit includes Etisalat meeting amid long-running PTCL privatization dispute
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Friday on an official visit following his participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos, the country’s foreign ministry said.
Pakistan and the UAE maintain close political and economic ties, with Abu Dhabi providing critical financial support to Islamabad in recent years through deposits, loans and investment commitments as Pakistan navigates a fragile economic recovery.
“During his stay, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister will hold official meetings, including with the management of Etisalat,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.
The planned meeting with Etisalat comes against the backdrop of a long-running dispute over the privatization of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd. (PTCL).
The UAE-based telecom group has withheld a final payment of about $800 million linked to its 2005 acquisition of a 26 percent stake in PTCL, citing delays in the transfer of properties included in the deal, a position disputed by Pakistan.
The issue has resurfaced in recent years as Pakistan seeks to revive investor confidence, advance privatization plans and stabilize its finances under an International Monetary Fund-supported program.
The foreign ministry said Dar will also hold meetings with other UAE officials during his visit.
