Education Suspended Across Punjab as Smog Worsens
Update: Punjab Higher Education Department has just issued a notification, shutting down schools and colleges in smog-hit main cities.
The Punjab Higher Education Department (HED) has declined to comply with the government’s directive to close schools due to smog, instead advising that students continue attending classes with strict adherence to safety protocols.
According to sources, the Secretary of the Higher Education Department stated that they had not received any official written order from the government mandating the suspension of classes up to grade 12, including A-Levels.
As a result, HED has instructed all public and private colleges in Punjab to maintain in-person classes for intermediate levels, with a strong emphasis on implementing smog-related SOPs.
The Higher Education Department has issued a circular directing colleges to continue educational activities under these guidelines, and private colleges have also expressed reluctance to halt intermediate classes. Strict notices have been sent to ensure student attendance is in line with these directives.
Separately, the Punjab Environment Department has issued a notification ordering the temporary closure of educational institutions, including schools, tuition centers, and academies, in various districts to curb the impact of smog.
According to the notification, the closure affects both private and public educational institutions in Lahore, Hafizabad, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Chiniot, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Multan, Lodhran, Vehari, and Khanewal.
Schools up to grade 12 and A-Levels in these areas are to remain closed from November 7 to November 17, with institutions expected to continue classes online.
Moreover, the School Education Department of Punjab has also issued a separate notification ordering the closure of tuition centers and academies across these districts during the same period.
News Courtesy:Pro Pakistani
