Breaking News: Punjab Government Changes School Timings Due to Smog – New Schedule Effective from November 3, 2025
The Punjab Government Changes School Timings Due to Smog situation. As air quality continues to decline in major cities, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA Punjab) has issued a formal notification confirming that all public and private schools will open after 8:45 AM starting from November 3, 2025.
This new schedule will remain effective until January 31, 2026, as part of Punjab’s Smog Emergency Action Plan 2025, designed to protect children and teachers from hazardous air conditions.
Understanding the Smog Crisis in Punjab
Smog has become an annual environmental challenge in Punjab, mainly caused by crop residue burning, vehicle emissions, industrial smoke, and dust particles. In October 2025, cities like Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, and Kasur experienced some of the worst Air Quality Index (AQI) readings, reaching over 400 AQI, categorized as “hazardous.”
According to the EPA Punjab, smog contains harmful pollutants such as PM2.5, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide. These pollutants reduce visibility, cause breathing problems, and increase respiratory diseases, especially in young children.
To minimize exposure during early morning hours when smog concentration is highest, the government has shifted school timings to start after sunrise.
Check Also: How To Become a Filer in 2026 – Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Pakistanis
New School Timing Schedule in Punjab
The Education Department Punjab has revised the school timings for both government and private institutions. According to the new policy, no school is allowed to open before 8:45 AM.
Official Revised Timings (Effective from November 3, 2025):
| School Type | Previous Timings | New Timings (Nov 3 – Jan 31) |
|---|---|---|
| Government Schools | 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM | 8:45 AM – 2:45 PM |
| Private Schools | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 8:45 AM – 2:45 PM |
| Friday Timings | 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 8:45 AM – 12:30 PM |
All schools have been directed to adjust their attendance registers, transport schedules, and class timings accordingly.
Strict Penalties for Rule Violations
The Punjab government has made it clear that any school violating the new timing orders will face strict action and heavy fines.
Penalty Details:
| Violation Type | Fine Amount (PKR) |
|---|---|
| First Violation | Rs. 1 to 5 lakh |
| Repeated Violation | Rs. 6 to 10 lakh |
District monitoring officers will visit schools daily to ensure full compliance. Institutions failing to follow the new timings could also face temporary suspension of registration.
The government has emphasized that these actions are necessary to ensure public health and safety during the smog season.
Why the Government Took This Step
The Punjab Government’s decision to change school timings is based on the recommendation of environmental and health experts. According to Dr. Farah Nadeem, Environmental Scientist at Punjab University:
“Most pollutants reach their peak levels between 6:00 and 8:30 AM. By delaying school start time, the government is effectively reducing children’s exposure to these harmful particles.”
This adjustment is part of a temporary but crucial policy aimed at minimizing the health risks of smog until weather conditions improve.
Health Impact of Smog on Children
Smog exposure affects children more severely because their lungs are still developing. Continuous exposure to polluted air can cause:
- Coughing, wheezing, and throat irritation
- Reduced lung function and asthma attacks
- Eye and nasal irritation
- Long-term respiratory illnesses
Schools have been directed to avoid morning assemblies and suspend outdoor sports activities during smog days.
Parents and Teachers Welcome the Move
Most parents have welcomed this decision, calling it a “wise and timely step.” They believe it will make mornings safer and more manageable for school-going children. Teachers also agree that later school timings will reduce absenteeism caused by illness during the smog season.
However, some private schools have raised concerns about extended school hours overlapping with afternoon tutoring sessions. The Education Department has assured that necessary adjustments will be made after feedback from institutions.
Precautionary Guidelines for Students and Schools
To further ensure safety, the Punjab Health Department and EPA Punjab have issued precautionary instructions:
For Students:
- Always wear a mask (preferably N95) when leaving home.
- Carry water bottles to stay hydrated.
- Avoid playing outdoors during smog hours.
- Use eye drops and saline sprays if irritation occurs.
For Schools:
- Keep classroom windows closed during high smog levels.
- Conduct indoor assemblies and activities.
- Maintain proper ventilation and install air purifiers if possible.
- Ensure medical kits are available for emergencies.
These steps aim to protect the physical well-being of students and teachers during the ongoing Smog Control Program 2025.
Broader Smog Control Measures by the Government
The change in school timings is just one part of the Punjab government’s comprehensive anti-smog strategy. Several other actions have been implemented across the province:
- Ban on Crop Burning: Heavy penalties for farmers burning stubble.
- Closure of Brick Kilns: Kilns operating without zigzag technology will remain closed.
- Vehicle Emission Checks: Roadside inspection teams deployed for smoke-emitting vehicles.
- Industrial Regulations: Factories using low-grade fuel will face closure.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Posters, social media, and radio programs to promote clean air habits.
Through these actions, the Punjab government aims to reduce air pollution levels by 30% before 2030 under its Clean Air Punjab Vision.
Public Helpline for Complaints
Citizens can report violations of environmental regulations or smog-related rules through the official helpline and website:
📞 Helpline: 1373
🌐 Website: epd.punjab.gov.pk
📧 Email: ClimateControl@epapunjab.gov.pk
People are encouraged to report illegal burning, industrial smoke, and school timing violations to help ensure proper enforcement.
Implementation Timeline
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Issued | October 31, 2025 |
| New Timings Begin | November 3, 2025 |
| Validity Period | November 3, 2025 – January 31, 2026 |
| Review Meeting | January 15, 2026 |
After January, the government will review the air quality situation and decide whether to restore old timings or continue the new schedule.
Environmental Experts Support the Move
Environmental groups have praised this initiative, stating that Punjab is taking practical steps to safeguard public health. According to Dr. Irfan Malik, Director of Climate Research Lahore:
“Delaying school hours may seem minor, but it significantly cuts morning exposure to high-density pollutants. It’s a smart preventive step.”
The Strategic Communication Cell of the Environment Protection Department also confirmed that awareness drives and inspection teams will remain active during this period.
Check Also: Breaking News: Gujranwala Board Announces Matric Exam 2026 Schedule
FAQs About Punjab’s New School Timing Notification:
1. When will the new timings be implemented?
From November 3, 2025, until January 31, 2026.
2. Which schools are affected by the order?
All public and private schools in Punjab province.
3. What is the new opening time?
No school is allowed to open before 8:45 AM.
4. What happens if a school violates the order?
It may face fines between Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 10 lakh depending on severity.
5. Why was this decision taken?
To protect students and staff from health hazards caused by severe smog pollution.
6. How can citizens report violations?
Call the official 1373 helpline or file a report via epd.punjab.gov.pk.
7. Does this apply to colleges and universities?
No, this order is for schools only.
8. Will online classes be allowed?
Yes, if the smog situation worsens, schools can switch to online mode temporarily.
Conclusion – Punjab Government Changes School Timings Due to Smog
The Punjab Government’s change in school timings due to smog shows its commitment to protecting the health of students and the environment. With this timely step, students will no longer have to travel in the thick early-morning haze, reducing the risk of respiratory illnesses.
The administration urges all citizens to act responsibly—avoid burning waste, maintain vehicle fitness, and help the government fight smog together. Collective responsibility is the only path toward a cleaner, healthier Punjab.
