Punjab Govt announces to shut educational institutes and private offices for three days in a week

LAHORE: The government of Punjab has announced to keep private institutions, and offices closed thrice a week (Friday, and Saturday), after an alarming increase in smog and the AQI (air quality index) 

Smog is air pollution that reduces visibility. The term smog was first used in the early 1900s to describe a mix of smoke and fog. Smog is created by increasing vehicular and industrial emissions and the burning of coal and the remains of agricultural crops. Smog has been common in industrial areas and remains a familiar sight in cities of the present day. 

A spell of heavy rains or strong winds could clear the smog caused by polluting heavy particles as Punjab is badly struck with such weather conditions in recent years in the initial days of winter in the region.  

As per the notification issued by the relief commissioner Punjab, the private institutions will remain closed thrice a week from December 7 (today) until January 15. The move has been taken to protect masses from the smog-related diseases.