Overview
- Starting November 3, all public and private schools across Punjab must open no earlier than 8:45 a.m., with single shifts running to 1:30 p.m. and double shifts adding a second session from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Violations will draw fines of Rs100,000 to Rs500,000 for a first offense and up to Rs1 million for repeat breaches, with complaints accepted via the EPA helpline 1373 and the Green Punjab App.
- Air quality remains in the hazardous range, with IQAir readings reaching 500 in Dera Ghazi Khan and Kasur and Lahore posting an overall AQI near 394 with neighborhood spikes above 500.
- Authorities are rolling out complementary curbs, including a ban on vehicles without green stickers or valid fitness certificates and a province‑wide crackdown on smoke‑emitting transport from November 15.
- Industrial enforcement has intensified, with non‑compliant marble units near Islamabad sealed and an illegal steel mill in Lahore demolished, while schools are urged to require masks and avoid outdoor assemblies.