Punjab government has extended winter vacations in Lahore and other cities of the province till January 9.
A cabinet meeting was held under the chairmanship of the caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi in which a decision was made to extend the winter holidays in schools across the province.
An official notification from Punjab government regarding extension in winter vacations 2024 will be issued soon.
Winter holidays in Punjab, including cities such as Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala, have been extended due to prevailing smog and adverse weather conditions in the region.
Owing to the extreme cold conditions, parents have also requested an extension of the holidays.
During the past week, students and parents were anxious about potential extensions, with numerous false reports circulating on social media. However, it is now confirmed that winter holidays which commenced on December 18 in Punjab, will be extended until January 9.
Previously, All Pakistan Private Schools Association (APPSA), in a letter to the Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab and the Secretary of Higher Education requested to delay the exams by at least a month.
However, the officials decided that there won’t be any changes to the matric exams’ schedule. The officials stated that a delay in SSC examinations could affect the schedules of higher-level exams.
The current weather in Lahore reflects a combination of moderate temperatures and concerning air quality conditions. The temperature stands at 18°C. However, the overall atmospheric condition is marred by dangerous air quality levels, urging residents to exercise extreme caution.
The air quality index (AQI) in Lahore registers at a high 322, categorizing it as “Dangerous.” This poses significant health risks to everyone, with even brief exposure to outdoor air potentially leading to severe health effects. Consequently, it is strongly recommended for individuals to avoid any outdoor activities to minimize the risk of health complications.
The hazardous air quality is attributed to extreme levels of dust and dander, resulting in conditions of extreme sinus pressure. Activities like fishing and lawn mowing are also adversely affected, with poor conditions prevailing. While air travel remains relatively unaffected, the presence of high indoor pests further emphasizes the need for precautions to maintain a healthy indoor environment.
