Lahore High Court Declares Additional Weekly Holiday for Schools Until January's End

In a landmark decision, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has mandated the closure of all educational institutions every Saturday until the conclusion of January 2024. This directive was pronounced during a hearing addressing the escalating levels of smog in the province, particularly in Lahore.

The written order, issued by Justice Shahid Karim of LHC, emphatically instructs relevant officials to promptly release a notification to implement the ruling. Once the notification is officially disseminated, students across universities, colleges, and schools will be entitled to an additional day off every week.

Additionally, the order underscores the proactive measures taken by the Punjab government to facilitate a two-day-a-week work-from-home arrangement, demonstrating a commitment to address the ongoing environmental challenges.

It is noteworthy that the provincial government's prior directive to close gyms has been suspended. This directive was originally issued under coronavirus-related provisions, which are no longer applicable. This decision aims to strike a balance between public health concerns and the need for educational continuity.

The LHC's order reflects a broader concern for environmental issues, particularly the hazardous smog levels affecting the region. The environment department has been explicitly instructed to initiate departmental action against officers who have failed to effectively control smog, emphasizing accountability in the face of environmental challenges.

Earlier, in response to the escalating environmental crisis, the provincial government took a proactive step by mandating the wearing of face masks in selected districts for a week. This order, effective from November 20 to November 26, seeks to mitigate health risks associated with air pollution.

The Lahore High Court's decision to institute an additional weekly holiday for educational institutions, coupled with the Punjab government's initiatives to combat smog and ensure public health, reflects a comprehensive approach to the challenges facing the province. This landmark ruling underscores the judiciary's commitment to address environmental concerns while balancing the needs of education and public health.