The caretaker Punjab government has decided against closure of schools today (Saturday, December 2nd) with interim Information Minister of Punjab tweeting that schools will open as per normal routine.
While briefing the media on Friday, the caretaker Punjab chief minister specified, “Markets and businesses will continue to operate as usual over the weekend.”
He also clarified that restaurants and eateries will adhere to their regular schedules.
The decision was originally taken in response to the Air Quality Index (AQI) improving across the province due to rain. The Punjab School Education Department also issued a notification stating that schools will remain open from Monday to Saturday.
Emphasizing the ongoing efforts to address the smog issue, the caretaker chief minister directed to continue the strict crackdown on vehicles emitting smoke. “We are making strenuous efforts to keep the Air Quality Index (AQI) at a low level by implementing concrete measures,” Naqvi asserted.
The meeting saw the presence of provincial ministers such as S.M. Tanvir, Dr. Javed Akram, Mansoor Qadir, Amir Mir, Azfar Ali Nasir, Ibrahim Hasan Murad, and Bilal Afzal. Additionally, the Chief Secretary, IG Police, Chairman P&D, and secretaries from relevant departments attended the session.
In light of the smog challenge, the provincial authorities have already declared winter vacations for schools and colleges in Punjab. Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi revealed schools throughout Punjab will observe winter vacations from December 18, 2023, to January 1, 2023.
Read more: Punjab Announces Winter Vacations 2023.
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