The Punjab government has declared winter vacations for educational institutions starting from December 18, 2023, to January 1, 2024 amid improved air quality.
The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi to address the smog concerns in the region. Following substantial rainfall and a subsequent reduction in air pollution, schools in Punjab will now remain open on Fridays but will remain closed Saturday across the province.
Mohsin Naqvi in a statement highlighted the positive shift in the air quality index as the reason behind lifting the smog ban in Punjab.
“Schools will remain closed on Saturday however markets and businesses will operate as normal over the weekend,” he said, adding that restaurants and eateries will also operate according to the schedule.
The interim chief minister directed to continue strict crackdown against the smoke-emitting vehicles to curb the smog.
“We are trying hard to keep the AQI level low by taking concrete steps,” Naqvi said.
Additionally, winter holiday notifications have been issued in the Sindh province.
As per the Sindh Education Department’s notification, all educational institutions in Sindh, including Karachi, will observe holidays from December 22 to 31. This vacation period is applicable to both public and private educational institutions. According to the steering committee’s decision, schools across Sindh, including Karachi, are set to reopen from January 1.
