In a surprising turn of events, the caretaker provincial government in Punjab has reversed its decision to open schools, despite an official notification from the Punjab School Education Department announcing the schools’ opening on the weekend. The caretaker Chief Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Anti-Smog, where it was decided that all schools across Punjab would have a day off tomorrow. This decision contrasts with the earlier notification, which stated that schools would remain open from Monday to Saturday.
The committee also decided to keep markets and restaurants open, citing a notable improvement in the Air Quality Index (AQI) as the reason for lifting restrictions. Additionally, the provincial government announced the schedule for winter vacations, with schools in Punjab closing from December 18 to January 1. Meanwhile, the province of Sindh has followed suit, notifying winter vacations from December 22 to December 31.
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This sudden change in school opening plans reflects the dynamic nature of decision-making during the caretaker government’s tenure. The focus on air quality improvement and the subsequent easing of restrictions indicate a balancing act between public health concerns and the need to maintain essential services.