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New Schedule in Effect from November 3, 2025, to January 31, 2026
In response to worsening air quality, the provincial government has announced new school timings across Punjab. This decision is part of a broader effort to safeguard children and staff from the harmful effects of smog during the winter months.
Official directives confirm that all schools, both public and private, must now begin their day after 8:45 AM. This new schedule started on November 3, 2025, and will remain in place until the end of January 2026.
Why the Change Was Necessary
Smog has become a recurring seasonal issue in the region. A combination of factors, including agricultural burning, vehicle exhaust, and industrial emissions, leads to a thick layer of polluted air. Major urban centers often experience air quality levels classified as “hazardous.”
Health experts highlight that smog contains fine particulate matter and other dangerous pollutants. These can cause serious health problems, such as breathing difficulties, asthma attacks, and other respiratory illnesses. Children are especially vulnerable to these conditions.
The smog tends to be most dense during the early morning hours. By delaying the start of the school day, the government aims to minimize students’ exposure to the worst air quality, as conditions typically improve after sunrise.
Revised School Timings at a Glance
The education department has released a clear schedule for all institutions to follow. The key change is that no school is permitted to operate before 8:45 AM.
| School Type | Previous Timings | New Timings (Nov 3 – Jan 31) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM | 8:45 AM – 2:45 PM |
| Private Schools | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 8:45 AM – 2:45 PM |
| Friday Schedule | 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 8:45 AM – 12:30 PM |
Schools are required to adjust their bus services, class schedules, and attendance systems to align with this new policy.
Strict Enforcement and Penalties
The government has issued a strong warning to schools that fail to comply with the new timings. Authorities will impose significant fines to ensure the rules are followed.
- First-time violation: A fine ranging from 100,000 to 500,000 Pakistani Rupees.
- Repeat violation: A heavier fine from 600,000 to 1,000,000 Pakistani Rupees.
Monitoring teams will conduct regular inspections of schools. In severe cases, institutions that repeatedly ignore the order may risk having their operational licenses temporarily suspended. These measures underscore the administration’s commitment to public health during this critical period.
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