LAHORE, PUNJAB – The Punjab government has announced a school timing change for all public and private educational institutions across the province, in response to the intensifying smog that has blanketed Lahore and its surrounding districts. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), no school will open before 8:45 a.m. starting 3 November 2025, and the directive will remain in effect until 31 January 2026. The decision, authorities say, was taken to minimize students’ exposure to hazardous air quality levels and reduce early-morning vehicular emissions that worsen pollution.

A Step to Protect Students from Toxic Air

The school timing change follows alarming reports from the EPA and weather monitoring stations showing Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) between 300 and 400, a range classified as hazardous. Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh, Director General of the Punjab EPA, said that the situation has become “a public health emergency,” as toxic particles in the atmosphere reach dangerous levels. He explained that shifting school hours is an immediate response to ensure children are not forced to step out during the most polluted part of the day, when smog and suspended toxins peak in concentration.

Stricter Regulations and Heavy Penalties

Under the new directive, any school found violating the announced timings will face fines ranging from Rs 500,000 to Rs 1 million. Dr Sheikh emphasized that the rule applies uniformly to both government and private institutions. He warned that the government would be closely monitoring compliance across districts and would not hesitate to penalize institutions risking children’s health for convenience.

Officials have clarified that the new timing for single-shift schools will be from 8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., while on Fridays, schools will close earlier. For double-shift schools, the first shift will end at 1:30 p.m., and the second will start from 1:00 p.m., continuing until around 4:00 p.m. Authorities expect the measure to not only safeguard students but also help control traffic congestion during morning rush hours.

Smog Crisis Worsens in Lahore

The school timing change is part of broader emergency measures as Punjab battles one of its worst air pollution episodes in years. Lahore’s air quality continues to rank among the worst in the world, often exceeding safe limits by tenfold. The thick smog has reduced visibility, caused respiratory illnesses, and disrupted daily routines across the provincial capital and nearby towns.

Experts attribute the crisis to a combination of vehicular emissions, industrial smoke, crop-burning, and weather inversions, which trap pollutants close to the ground. Environmental groups have welcomed the move but argue that without stricter enforcement of anti-pollution laws and better urban planning, temporary steps like adjusting school timings will have a limited long-term impact.

A Race Against Time for Cleaner Air

Government officials hope that delaying school hours will help reduce the early-morning traffic surge, easing some pressure on air quality during peak smog periods. However, the public remains concerned that such temporary actions cannot replace sustained reforms. Analysts say that for real improvement, the Punjab government must address root causes. They should work to control vehicle emissions, modernize industrial standards, and promote cleaner agricultural practices.