The Punjab Environment Department has restricted all public and private schools from opening before 8:45 AM due to worsening smog across the province, including Lahore. Colleges and special education centers are also covered under the new order, effective from November 3, 2025, to January 31, 2026.

Schools violating the rule will face fines ranging from Rs100,000 to Rs500,000 for the first offense and up to Rs1 million for repeated violations. Punjab’s Director General of Environment, Imran Hamid Sheikh, said strict measures will continue to protect public health and improve air quality.