LAHORE: The Punjab School Education Department has banned students from using mobile phones in both government and private schools across the province, as per the report.
A directive sent to all district education authorities ordered that the ban be enforced right away, stressing that schools must ensure full compliance.
The circular also urged school administrations to motivate students to take part in academic and co-curricular activities, highlighting the value of personality development programmes.
This notification follows a resolution introduced by MPA Raheela Khadim Hussain, which was recently approved by a majority in the Punjab Assembly.
Punjab Schools Timing Changes
Earlier, Punjab’s top environment official announced that government and private schools will not be allowed to open before 8:45 in the morning. Director General of Environment Imran Hamid Shaikh warned that any school violating the timing will face a fine ranging from 5 to 10 lac rupees.
He explained that the timing adjustment was made due to worsening smog in Lahore and the surrounding areas. From October 19 to 30, Lahore’s air quality index rose sharply from 300 to 400. “Increasing quantity of hazardous particulate matter has been reported in the air.”
Lahore’s air quality has become extremely unhealthy, making it the second most polluted city in the world with an AQI of 346 on Sunday. New Delhi remained the most polluted with a reading of 467.
Health experts have advised the public to wear masks and avoid unnecessary travel.
Winter Vacations
Winter holidays in Punjab will be observed from December 23, 2025, to January 11, 2026, with schools reopening on January 13, 2026. Despite rumors about schools closing early due to smog, provincial authorities have clarified that no such decision has been made.