Punjab Imposes Ban on Outdoor Sports and Assemblies in Schools Amid Rising Smog

Punjab Imposes Ban on Outdoor Sports and Assemblies in Schools Amid Rising Smog

 Published Oct 3, 2025 | 11:24 am

LAHORE – The Punjab Education Department has announced emergency measures to protect students from the harmful effects of smog, which has been rising sharply across the province.

According to an official notification issued to all District Education Authorities (DEAs), outdoor activities and sports in schools will remain suspended on days when smog levels cross dangerous limits.

Alongside this, the government has also launched a province-wide awareness campaign for teachers, parents, and students to educate them on how to stay safe from smog-related health risks.

Key Directives for Schools During Smog Season

1. Awareness Campaigns: Schools are required to educate students, parents, and staff on smog hazards and preventive measures such as wearing face masks, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding unnecessary outdoor exposure. Children with asthma and respiratory illnesses must be given special care. Schools must also share awareness content through official social media pages with photos and videos.

2. Ban on Outdoor Activities: All outdoor activities, including morning assemblies, sports events, and physical training sessions, will be suspended on smog-affected days.

3. Classroom Safety: School heads must keep classrooms clean and well-ventilated, while ensuring windows and doors stay shut during peak smog hours.

4. Waste Disposal: Burning of garbage within school premises has been strictly banned. Schools must arrange proper waste management to reduce air pollution.

5. Medical Records: Schools must maintain updated emergency health records of students suffering from asthma, respiratory diseases, or heart conditions. Teachers are instructed to remain alert for any signs of medical distress.

6. Health Coordination: Each district will appoint a focal person to work closely with health authorities for emergency medical response.

7. Daily AQI Monitoring: The Air Quality Index (AQI) will be monitored daily. District education authorities will issue timely instructions to schools based on AQI updates.

8. Reporting Mechanism: From October 5, 2025, schools must submit compliance reports, including links to awareness campaigns and details of focal persons, to the Education Department on a weekly basis.

Government’s Message

The Punjab government has stressed that student safety remains the top priority and urged parents to ensure children wear masks, stay hydrated, and minimize outdoor exposure during the smog season.