The Government of the Punjab, School Education Department issued a Notification on 23-11-2023 in connection with the Holiday on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of Punjab 6 Divisions. These Divisions are as under:

Holiday on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Punjab 6 Districts (24 to 26 Nov 2023)

• Faisalabad
• Lahore
• Multan
• Sahiwal
• Gujranwala
• Sargodha

All Public and private schools in these divisions districts will remain closed from 24-11-2023 to 26-11-2023.

The School Education Department decided to close all private and government educational institutions due to the spread of smog in certain districts of the Punjab.

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School Education Department Decides About Weekend Holiday On 24^Th and 25^Th November 2023

The decision was made In the wake of the deteriorating Air Quality Index (AQI).  The decision is good as it ensures to safeguarding of the health and well-being of students against Smog.  All public and Private schools remain closed on Friday 24^th November and Saturday 25^th November.

Smog Effected Cities

The CEO of 06-Mian districts of Punjab got an order about closing the educational institutions on said dates. These districts include:

1. Lahore
2. Faisalabad
3. Multan
4. Sargodha
5. Gujranwala
6. Sahiwal

There will be restricted movement in the area of divisions mentioned in the list. The public and private schools remain closed for all educational or instructional activities. The two-day holiday will help with the well-being of students at all levels of schools or in universities.  From primary to Higher secondary level, all institutes will continue their activities from Monday 27^th November,2023. Secretary School Education directs all CEOs about implementation of this.

SED issues new notification No.SO(A-I)1-31/2008 on 23^rd Nov 2023 regarding this. The Board of Revenue Punjab provincial disaster management authority also issues notifications regarding smog.

Steps Taken by the Punjab Government

The board declares the smog as a calamity.  The smog diseases, smoke or dust, and chemical exposure are increasing day by day. This poses a serious and imminent threat to public health. Therefore, it is mandatory to take all possible safety measures. It helps to prevent and control the smog and disease in the province.

1. All public and private institutions remain closed on the above-mentioned dates 25-11-2023 and 25-11-2023.
2. All markets and shops or restaurants remain open after 3:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.
3. The offices shall remain open after 03:00 PM on 24^th and 25^th Nov,2023.
4. The order is forwarded to all competent authorities. It is also broadcast through TV Channels and Radio.