The Punjab School Education Department has announced some new rules for schools in the province. One of the main rules is that students are no longer allowed to use mobile phones in any public or private school. This new ban was reported by ARY News and applies to all schools across Punjab.
The department has sent a circular to the heads of all district education offices, asking them to implement the ban immediately. Schools must ensure that this rule is followed strictly. Along with this, the department wants schools to encourage students to take part more in academic and extracurricular activities. The aim is to focus on personal development programs and help students grow in various skills beyond the classroom.
This notification was issued following a proposal by MPA Raheela Khadim Hussain, which was recently approved by a majority vote in the Punjab Assembly.
Changes in School Timings
Punjab’s authorities have also made changes to school timings. According to the top environmental official, all government and private schools will now start at 8:45 in the morning. Schools that open earlier than this may face a fine of 500,000 to 1,000,000 rupees.
The reason behind this change is increasing smog and pollution in Lahore and nearby areas. The Director General of Environment, Imran Hamid Shaikh, explained that the air quality in Lahore has been very poor recently. Between October 19 and October 30, the air quality index (AQI) rose from 300 to 400, showing a large amount of harmful particles in the air.
Currently, Lahore has become the second most polluted city in the world with an AQI of 346 on Sunday. The only city with worse pollution is New Delhi in India, which recorded an AQI of 467. Health experts have advised people to wear masks and avoid unnecessary travel to protect themselves from the harmful effects of smog.
Winter Vacation Schedule
The Punjab government has also announced the winter vacation dates for schools. Schools will remain closed from December 23, 2025, to January 11, 2026, and will reopen on January 13, 2026.
There were rumors that schools might close early because of smog. However, the authorities have clarified that no such decision has been made yet. Schools will continue to operate according to the normal schedule until the winter vacation starts.
Summary
In short, Punjab has introduced several new rules for schools:
- Mobile phones are banned for students in all schools.
- Schools must encourage academic and co-curricular activities.
- School start times are delayed to 8:45 a.m. to reduce exposure to smog.
- Winter vacation dates are confirmed, running from late December to mid-January.
These steps are being taken to improve student learning, protect children’s health, and promote personal development. Students and parents are advised to follow these new guidelines strictly to ensure safety and a better learning environment.
