Punjab Announces Holiday for Schools and Offices on November 18

Interim Chief Minister of Punjab Mohsin Naqvi announced a holiday for schools and offices in Punjab on 18 November 2023 (Saturday). The decision was made in response to worsening smog intensified efforts to combat air pollution.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached its highest point of 400 during the week, which is considered hazardous.

The announcement came during a press conference in Lahore, following a directive from Lahore High Court’s Justice Shahid Karim on Monday that instructed the provincial government to shut down all schools and colleges in Punjab for at least two days a week in order to control the smog situation.

Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city with a population of 11 million, consistently holds the unfortunate distinction of being the world’s most polluted city. Residents are advised to stay indoors and use masks, with many grappling with respiratory difficulties.

Last week, smog-affected areas in Punjab observed a four-day holiday from Friday to Sunday, and some businesses were initially instructed to close but were later allowed to resume operations due to rain alleviating smog conditions.

Naqvi addressed journalists, highlighting the rising air pollution attributed to smog. He emphasized that 90% of crop burning occurs in winter, with 10% in Pakistan, a significant contributor to smog. In response, the interim chief minister announced plans to support farmers in acquiring modern machinery and affirmed the implementation of additional measures to tackle the smog issue.

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