An update on early winter vacations in Punjab

Murad Raas, Punjab's education minister, has hinted at early school closings amid worsening smog conditions.

It was recently reported that Lahore, the city of gardens, is the most polluted city in the world. Residents complain of shortness of breath, stinging eyes, and nausea due to the thick and pungent air pollution.

Despite deteriorating air quality, the Education Minister clarified they cannot close schools urgently since many institutions are taking midterm exams.

In addition, Raas ruled out the possibility of a three-day holiday, instead instructing students to wear face masks similar to the Covid pandemic.

According to the Lahore High Court, educational institutions in the provincial capital will be closed for two days. This is because the air quality index in the city is above 300, which is hazardous.

The provincial government announced its winter vacation schedule earlier this month. There will be closures of educational institutions in 24 districts of the country's most populous region. It will be closed from 23rd December 2022 to 6th January 2023 and from 3rd to 13th January 2023.

In Lahore, Sahiwal, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Pakpattan, Sheikupura, Okara, Vehari, Khanewal, Khushab, Hafizabad, Multan, Toba Tek Singh, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Sargodha, Mandi Bahauddin, Lodhran, Nankana Sahib, and Jhang, schools and colleges will be closed for two weeks between December 23rd, 2022, and January 6th, 2023.

Winter vacations will begin from January 3rd for two weeks in Rajanpur, Jhelum, Mianwali, Attock, Muzaffargarh, Chakwal, Bhakkar, Rawalpindi, Rahim Yar Khan, DG Khan, and Chiniot.