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

As per the directive of DG Environment Punjab, schools, colleges and other educational institutions, private and public, will remain closed for in-person classes up to XII and A levels.

The closure will be effective from November 7 to 17.

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

The notification said that all educational institutions will shift to online classes during this period to ensure continuity of education. The 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 close for the duration of the lockdown.

Last week, in response to deteriorating air quality and worsening smog conditions in Lahore and across Punjab, the provincial government announced a week-long closure of all primary schools until ‘to class V in Lahore.

Read also: Air quality levels in Lahore reach record highs, government warns against lockdown

The Punjab Environment Department has issued a notification in this regard. As per the notification, schools were to be closed from November 4 to 9.

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