LHC Orders Extension in Winter Vacations for Punjab

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued a detailed verdict following its brief order from the day before, which extended winter vacations in Punjab due to the prevailing smog conditions, according to ARY News.

Justice Shahid Karim, in a concise two-page document, instructed Punjab’s education department to issue a notification formally extending the winter vacations. The written order explicitly mentioned that this extension applies to all educational institutions, including schools and colleges.

In response to petitions addressing the smog crisis, the LHC had, on Tuesday, decided to prolong winter vacations by an additional week. These directives were issued while the court considered pleas seeking a solution to the smog problem.

Initially, Punjab’s winter vacations were suppose to supposed to conclude on December 31, 2023, with schools and colleges reopening on January 1, 2024.

Previously, in response to severe smog conditions, the Punjab government had already mandated three off days per week for schools in Lahore. This decision came in compliance with the Lahore High Court’s instructions regarding smog and air quality concerns in the provincial capital.

The dense smog plaguing cities during the initial days of winter has been attributed to various factors, including vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and the burning of crop residues.