Punjab schools smog guidelines have been issued by the provincial government to protect students from dangerous air pollution during the upcoming season. On Tuesday the School Education Department directed all public schools across Punjab to follow the Pre-Smog Action Plan 2026 and take clear steps to keep children safe.
The instructions come under the plan prepared for July to September 2026 by the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency. Schools must now check the Air Quality Index before allowing any outdoor exercise or sports. When the air quality is poor, outdoor activities must be limited or stopped completely. Students have been told to wear face masks during school hours, and administrations must keep doors and windows closed to reduce the entry of polluted air.
The department has also advised both students and staff to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure, especially in areas where the AQI reaches unhealthy or severe levels. These measures aim to prevent health risks linked to thick smog that regularly affects large parts of Punjab every year.
At the same time, the School Education Department has formed special committees at tehsil, district, divisional and provincial levels to organise sports activities in a safe manner. The list of sports includes badminton, hockey, table tennis, cricket, volleyball, athletics, chess and football. The goal is to keep students physically and mentally healthy while still following the smog precautions.
All committees will prepare sports calendars starting from the end of next month. The schedules at every level will be synchronised so that competitions can run smoothly from local to provincial stages. Both boys’ and girls’ schools have been ordered to take part according to the official timetable.
Education authorities have been instructed to ensure strict implementation of the entire plan. The government wants schools to balance the need for physical activity with the serious health threat posed by seasonal smog. By limiting outdoor time only when air quality is bad and promoting indoor or carefully timed sports, officials hope to protect the well-being of thousands of students across the province.
