Will Punjab close schools in Lahore on air-quality grounds on at least five days between October and January?

Lahore and much of central Punjab face a recurring smog season each autumn and winter, driven by crop burning, vehicle emissions and low-altitude weather patterns that trap pollution over the city. In past years the provincial government has responded to spikes in air quality with temporary school closures, shortened hours, or an early start to winter vacation, but the scale and timing of any such measures depends on how severe the season turns out to be and is decided closer to the time. Resolves: 31 January 2027 • Source: Punjab School Education Department notifications Rule: Resolves YES if official Punjab government or Punjab School Education Department orders keep schools in Lahore district closed on five or more calendar days between 1 October 2026 and 31 January 2027, where the order cites smog, air quality or AQI as a reason. A winter vacation that is brought forward, extended or announced on air-quality grounds does count, for those days falling outside the vacation dates notified before 1 October 2026. Weekends, public holidays, and changes to school timings that keep schools open do not count.