Lahore Primary Schools Closed as Air Quality Deteriorates

Lahore, known for its persistent air pollution, is facing a fresh crisis as smog levels rise to dangerous highs. In response, the Punjab government has announced the closure of primary schools in Lahore from November 4 to November 9. The Environment Department of Punjab issued a notification confirming the week-long closure, prioritizing the health and safety of students amid the city’s worsening air quality.

Provincial Leaders Urge Immediate Environmental Action

Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb emphasized the need to address Lahore’s ongoing pollution crisis with urgency. She highlighted that recent changes in air patterns from neighboring India have worsened the smog, intensifying the already critical situation in the city. Aurangzeb stressed the necessity of engaging in climate diplomacy with India to address the root causes of cross-border air pollution. She noted that political resistance had delayed much-needed dialogue on environmental cooperation.

Green Lockdown to Enforce Strict Anti-Pollution Measures

To tackle the crisis, the Punjab government has declared a “Green Lockdown,” enforcing stricter controls on industries that do not comply with pollution guidelines. Industries contributing to air pollution may face complete shutdowns if they fail to cooperate. Authorities have also intensified their campaign against stubble burning, a significant contributor to smog. Farmers resort to burning crop residue after harvesting, which releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. Law enforcement teams have been directed to take stringent actions, including arrests, against those found violating stubble-burning regulations across smog-affected regions, including Lahore. The provincial administration is now aiming to create awareness while holding violators accountable, with the goal of mitigating the impact of air pollution on Lahore’s residents, particularly vulnerable children.