Smog Forces Punjab to Halt Outdoor School Activities

News Desk 

Lahore: The Punjab Education Department has announced emergency measures to protect students as smog continues to intensify across the province, suspending all outdoor activities in schools on smog-affected days.

According to an official notification issued to the Chief Executive Officers of District Education Authorities (DEAs), morning assemblies, sports, and physical training will remain suspended whenever air quality levels deteriorate.

The department has also directed schools to launch awareness campaigns for teachers, parents, and students on smog-related health risks and precautionary steps, including wearing masks, staying hydrated, and limiting outdoor exposure. 

Special attention has been advised for children suffering from asthma or other respiratory problems. Schools have been instructed to share updates, photos, and videos of these campaigns on their official social media platforms.

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Other measures outlined in the notification include:

Classroom safety: Schools must ensure classrooms remain clean and properly ventilated, with windows and doors kept shut during peak smog hours.

Waste disposal: Burning garbage within school premises has been strictly prohibited, with proper disposal arrangements declared mandatory.

Medical readiness: Schools are required to maintain emergency health records for students with respiratory or cardiac conditions, while teachers must stay alert for signs of distress among pupils.

Health coordination: Each district will appoint a focal person to coordinate with health authorities for swift medical responses in emergencies.

Daily monitoring: District education authorities will track the Air Quality Index (AQI) daily and issue necessary instructions to schools.

Reporting compliance: Schools must provide details of awareness activities, focal persons, and submit weekly compliance reports to the Education Department starting October 5, 2025.

The move comes as Lahore and several other Punjab districts face worsening air quality, with smog posing serious health risks, particularly to children and the elderly.