Lahore’s Air Turns Toxic, Schools Close for Winter Break

APP

Lahore:  Lahore once again topped the global pollution charts on Sunday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to a hazardous 358, placing the city among the most polluted in the world.

According to air monitoring data, areas including Ravi Road, Lower Mall, and Iqbal Town recorded alarming AQI levels — with pollution readings peaking at 827 in some zones. Experts have warned that such severe air quality poses serious health threats, particularly respiratory illnesses, throat infections, and eye irritation.

Health specialists have urged residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure, wear protective masks, and use air purifiers indoors to minimize health risks.

In response to the deteriorating air quality and falling temperatures, the Punjab government has announced an early winter break for all public and private schools from December 22, 2025, to January 9, 2026. Schools will reopen on January 12.

The Education Department has also revised school timings for the ongoing season, setting early closures at 1:30 PM and making schedule adjustments for the second shift to minimize student exposure to smog and cold weather.

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/is-pakistan-ready-for-its-climate-population-crisis/

Authorities have reiterated that air pollution remains at dangerously high levels and have advised citizens to strictly follow health and safety precautions until conditions improve.

Punjab Launches Mobile Soil Testing Labs to Restore Land Fertility

The Punjab government, in collaboration with the Soil Fertility Department, has launched a Mobile Soil Testing Lab project to restore and improve agricultural productivity across South Punjab’s flood-affected districts.

Principal, Soil Fertility Department Multan, Fatima Bibi, told APP that seven mobile labs have been deployed under the project’s first phase, while eight more will be introduced in the second phase, covering 15 remote districts.

“These mobile units will collect soil and water samples, test fertility levels, and guide farmers on corrective measures to boost crop yields,” she said.

Fatima Bibi explained that the devastating floods in recent years severely affected the fertility of Punjab’s farmlands. Stagnant floodwater reduced oxygen levels in clay-rich soils, damaging roots, while sandy soils benefited from improved water retention.

Highlighting the project’s regional benefits, she said districts such as Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Alipur, and Shujabad will particularly gain from mobile testing services.

In Khanewal, she noted, soil tests revealed 95% phosphorus deficiency and 33% potassium and iron deficiency, while nearly half of Multan Division’s lands showed excessive salt content between 21% and 30%.

She added that after testing, detailed soil health reports are issued to farmers along with tailored recommendations to improve fertility. The department is also raising awareness through seminars, radio broadcasts, and TV programs, encouraging farmers to test soil and water annually.

“The Mobile Soil Labs will bring scientific expertise directly to farmers’ doorsteps, ensuring informed decisions and improved productivity in flood-hit regions,” Fatima Bibi concluded.