Educational institutions to remain shut till Nov 24

Rawalpindi : In response to escalating air pollution levels, the Rawalpindi administration has issued a notification mandating the closure of all public and private educational institutions until November 24. Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi, Hasan Waqar Cheema, has instructed schools to transition to online classes during this period.

The Deputy Commissioner further directed officials to visit educational institutions, both government and private, to ensure compliance with the order. “Strict action will be taken against violators,” he warned.

The Punjab government had previously announced the closure of educational institutions until November 17. However, in light of persisting hazardous conditions, the holidays have been extended to November 24, reflecting the gravity of the situation.

In a related effort, the provincial government has decided to pilot an artificial rain project in Rawalpindi. The trial will commence only if sufficient cloud cover is available, officials stated.

Environmental and related government departments have already mobilized teams to oversee and implement the initiative.

Punjab’s major cities, including Lahore, are grappling with extreme air pollution, with Lahore recently ranking among the world’s most polluted cities. The air quality in Multan has also reached hazardous levels, prompting authorities to close sections of the motorway due to limited visibility caused by smog.

Experts attribute part of the worsening air quality to winds carrying smoke and particulate matter from neighbouring India, further exacerbating conditions in Pakistan.