No extra holiday this Saturday: Lahore schools to remain open tomorrow

LAHORE: Educational institutes, including schools and colleges operating on Saturdays, in Lahore will continue regular academic activities tomorrow, December 9, as the Punjab government has not announced any holiday yet.

Despite growing concerns over rising smog levels, the government has not announced closures for this Saturday, and institutions operating on a six-day schedule will adhere to their usual routine.

Speculation had circulated that colleges and schools might be closed again due to the escalating smog issue in Lahore. However, it seems like the Punjab government’s official stance is to keep educational institutions open as usual.

Notably, schools like Lahore Grammar School (LGS) and Beaconhouse School System (BSS), which follow a five-day week, will remain closed.

Lahore has been under the spotlight for weeks due to the worsening smog problem, earning the dubious distinction of being labelled the most polluted city globally. The air quality in major areas of Lahore has reached alarming levels, prompting concerns for public health.

Affected regions include popular residential and commercial areas such as Mall Road, Gulberg, Thokar Niaz Baig, LDA Avenue 1, Johar Town, Wapda Town, GOR, Canal Road, Defence Housing Authority (DHA), Askari 10, Askari 11, DHA Phase 9 Town, Bankers Town, State Life Housing Society, Bedian Road, DHA Rahbar, Formanites, and Sui Gas Housing Society.

Commuting has become challenging during the early morning and evening hours as smog and fog blanket these roads.

Daily fog patches on some sections of Lahore Ring Road and reduced visibility, especially in the evening, have been reported for those travelling towards Sialkot Motorway.

Despite multiple measures implemented by the government to address the situation, there has been little improvement in the air quality index of Lahore and other heavily smog-affected cities.

As the smog crisis persists, it remains uncertain whether the Punjab government will consider implementing online classes for educational institutes, including schools, colleges, and universities in Lahore.

The authorities continue to grapple with finding effective solutions to alleviate the environmental challenges facing the city.

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