LAHORE – Authorities in Punjab are taking extreme steps amid alarming levels of smog pollution, and the now interim government has decided to shut down schools, and other educational institutions.

The Saturday holiday in schools is the latest in series of steps to protect children from alarming air pollution.

Punjab Interim Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on anti-smog and announced that schools will remain closed on Saturday in the province.

As students will miss classes, markets and businesses will remain open as per the schedule and restaurants will also operate.

Furthermore, CM directed a stringent crackdown against smoke-blowing vehicles as the government is taking extreme measures to keep AQI levels low.

In a recent development, the Punjab government announced a schedule for winter vacations for all public and private schools across the province.