LAHORE: The Punjab government on Monday announced re-opening of schools and colleges in Rawalpindi Division from tomorrow.
This decision was notified by the Director General Environment Department, Imran Hamid Sheikh.
The resumption is for all the schools across Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Chakwal Districts and there shall be compulsory attendance of all students and employees.
The notification also removed the imposition of restrictions of online classes in messes and washrooms in schools in the Rawalpindi Division. Schools in Murree District, which were not affected during the closure, shall carry out business as normal.
As reported by the state-run PTV, the decision to open the education institutions was made after a considerable change in the air quality in the entire area over a short period of time.
Earlier, the Punjab government ordered for suspension of all schools from November 17 to November 24 due to high pollution caused by smog.
Also Read: Schools and colleges closed until Nov 17 in Punjab cities due to smog
On the other hand, smog situation in Punjab is improving. Still, Rahim Yar Khan remains the dirtiest city of the province with an air particulate of 669, Bahawalpur scored second with an AQI of 443 while Lahore has an air quality index of 402.
Though conditions have improved, some motorways are still out of bounds as a result of heavy fog. Currently, Motorway M4 from Abdul Hakeem to Multan and M5 from Multan to Sukkur are both closed, with the Lahore-Sialkot Motorway (M11) also remaining out of use for motorists.
