According to a JEE News report on Tuesday, the Lahore High Court on Tuesday ordered the government to extend the winter vacation of schools and colleges in Lahore by another 7 days due to the worsening smog situation in the city.
The Lahore High Court on Tuesday ordered the closure of educational institutions while hearing petitions for intervention in controlling smog.
The court also summoned the Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) for the next hearing.
During the hearing, the court said that smog is being controlled to some extent. The court said that the responsibility of preventing smog lies with the government.
After which the court adjourned the hearing till Friday.
Schools, offices closed for two days
Earlier this month, the LHC had ordered closure of schools and offices for two days a week – Friday and Saturday – due to smog conditions.
The notification issued by the PDMA said that the staff can continue working from home. This order will remain in force till January 15, 2023.
“All private offices operated by companies, private sector bodies and other persons within the territorial limits of the Lahore Metropolitan Corporation shall remain closed on every Friday and Saturday from 07.12.2022 to 15.01.2023. However, their staff from home can work,” the PDMA notification said.
Meanwhile, in the notification of the School Education Department, it has been stated that the decision to close schools on a weekly basis applies to all private and government schools in Lahore district.
“In pursuance of the directions of the Hon’ble Lahore High Court, Lahore, vide order in Writ Petition No. 227807/2018 dated 02-12-2022, it is hereby notified that due to the present condition of SMOG, all public and private schools of District Lahore Will be closed every Friday and Saturday except weekly holidays until further orders.
He also noted that the District Education Authority (DEA) Lahore Chief Executive Officer and concerned heads will manage the distribution of homework to students during school closures.
