Islamabad, Nov 26: With winter setting in, students across Punjab are looking forward to their winter break, starting December 20, 2024. Punjab’s Secretary of Schools, Khalid Nazir Watoo, has announced a 20-day holiday for schools, ending on January 10, 2025.
This decision follows severe smog conditions that had earlier forced schools to close and transition to online learning, particularly in Lahore, one of the world’s most polluted cities.
The toxic smog, caused by industrial emissions, crop burning, and vehicular pollution, continues to pose health risks, especially for children and the elderly.
In Lahore, low visibility and hazardous air quality persist, prompting authorities to advise precautions such as wearing masks and reducing outdoor activities.
While the winter break offers students relief from academic and environmental challenges, it highlights the pressing need for sustainable measures to address Punjab’s pollution crisis.