The Punjab Education Department has adjusted school timings across the province in response to the intensifying smog crisis. A new notification states that no school will be allowed to start before 8:45am, and violations could result in fines ranging from Rs100,000 to Rs1 million.
The revised schedule took effect on October 27, 2025, and will remain in force until April 15, 2026. Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced that all public and private schools will now operate from 8:45am to 1:30pm, while Friday classes will end at 12:30pm. In double-shift schools, the second shift will run from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Teachers are required to stay on duty until 2:00pm on weekdays and 12:30pm on Fridays.
Punjab’s cities continue to face severe pollution, with AQI readings hitting 500 in Dera Ghazi Khan and Kasur—surpassing even Lahore. Air quality experts have ranked these cities among the world’s most polluted.
To help control smog, the provincial government has also banned vehicles lacking green stickers or fitness certificates. From November 1 to January 31, 2026, authorities will enforce strict measures against smoke-emitting vehicles, particularly heavy transport. An anti-smog campaign beginning November 15 will focus on improving compliance.
Separately, multiple marble factories near Islamabad’s Sector B-17 have been sealed for repeated environmental violations. Officials stated that dust emissions from marble processing have significantly worsened air quality. Enforcement teams issued Environmental Protection Orders after the units failed to adopt mandatory safety measures.
These actions are part of ongoing efforts to curb hazardous pollution levels and protect public health during the peak smog season.
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