Punjab Environment Department has issued a notification closing all educational institutions in various districts in the state.

As per the directive of Directorate General of Environment, Punjab, schools, colleges and other educational institutions, both private and public, will remain closed for face-to-face classes up to Class XII and A Levels.

The closure will be in effect from November 7-17.

Also Read: Punjab closes primary schools for a week due to severe smog crisis

The communiqué states that all educational institutions will switch to online courses during this period in order to ensure the continuity of education. This decision applies to several districts including Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot and Narowal.

Additionally, schools in Faisalabad, Chiniot, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Multan, Lodhran, Vehari and Khanewal will also be closed during this period.

Last week, in response to deteriorating air quality and worsening smog conditions in Lahore and Punjab, the provincial government announced the closure of all primary schools up to Class V in Lahore for a week.

Also Read: Lahore’s air quality levels reach record highs, government warns of quarantine

Punjab environment department has issued a notification in this regard. According to the notification, schools would be closed between November 4-9.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb made the announcement, emphasizing the need to prioritize the health and safety of students amid the ongoing environmental crisis.