The Government of Punjab has announced revised school hours across the province starting October 28, 2024. This change, driven by the need to reduce the effects of severe air pollution and smog in Lahore and surrounding regions, is a proactive step to safeguard students’ health during the high-smog season.
Why the Change in School Timings?
Due to alarming levels of pollution and Lahore’s rising Air Quality Index (AQI), which has surpassed 150, the Punjab Environment Protection Department has decided to adjust school schedules. Smog, a byproduct of vehicular and industrial emissions, has been identified as a serious public health risk, particularly for children and the elderly. The timing adjustment is intended to help mitigate these adverse health effects by reducing exposure to the morning pollution peaks.
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New School Timing Details
From October 28, all public and private schools across Punjab will observe the following timings until January 31, 2024.
Updated Schedule for Public and Private Schools
| Day | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8:45 AM | 2:45 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:45 AM | 2:45 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:45 AM | 2:45 PM |
| Thursday | 8:45 AM | 2:45 PM |
| Friday | 8:45 AM | 12:45 PM |
Double-Shift School Timings
For schools operating a double-shift system, Friday schedules differ slightly:
- First Shift: Ends at 12:45 PM
- Second Shift: Begins at 2 PM and concludes at 5 PM (instead of the usual 1 PM start).
Teacher Reporting Times
Teachers are required to report to their schools by 8:30 AM daily and conclude their workday by 3 PM.
Health Benefits of the New Schedule
Reducing exposure during peak smog hours is a key goal behind these adjusted school hours. The updated timing aims to limit health risks related to poor air quality, particularly for students and school staff. According to environmental experts, prolonged exposure to high AQI levels can increase respiratory and cardiovascular problems, making these precautions essential as Lahore’s pollution levels peak.
Conclusion
The revised school timings for Lahore and Punjab prioritize student and teacher health in response to the region’s increasing smog. This temporary schedule change reflects the government’s commitment to reducing the negative impact of pollution on young students, with these hours set to stay in effect until January 31, 2024.
