Re Opening of Schools in Rawalpindi Division from 19 November 2024 Official Notification

In the recent update Govt of Punjab School Education Department is re opening the schools and colleges in Rawalpindi Division after a short break due to smog. Now the air quality index of Chakwal Jhelum, Attock and Rawalpindi is reduced therefore the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Punjab has announced the reopening of all educational institutions in the Rawalpindi Division from November 19, 2024.

تازہ ترین اپ ڈیٹ کے مطابق، پنجاب حکومت کے سکول تعلیم محکمہ نے دھند کی وجہ سے کم ہونے کے بعد راولپنڈی ڈویژن میں اسکولوں اور کالجوں کو دوبارہ کھولنے کا اعلان کیا ہے۔ اب چکوال، جہلم، اٹک اور راولپنڈی کے ایئر کوالٹی انڈیکس میں کمی آئی ہے، لہذا پنجاب کے ماحولیاتی تحفظ ایجنسی (ای پی اے) نے 19 نومبر 2024 سے راولپنڈی ڈویژن میں تمام تعلیمی اداروں کو دوبارہ کھولنے کا اعلان کیا ہے

This decision comes after a previous directive, issued on November 12, which had mandated the closure or transition to online learning due to concerns over air quality.

According to the EPA, the directive, referenced under order No. 135/DG/EPA/2024, was reversed following a significant improvement in ambient air quality within the division. The decision affects all districts within the division, including Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Chakwal. You can check Viral Videos of Social Media Persons.

Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, Director General of the Punjab EPA, signed the exemption, noting that it was made in the best interest of public health and the educational needs of the region’s youth. The directive was also influenced by a proposal from the Commissioner of the Rawalpindi Division, which highlighted the improved conditions and the potential impacts of prolonged closures on educational continuity.

Educational institutions in Murree had previously remained open, and with this new directive, they will continue to operate with the physical presence of students and staff.

The decision has been communicated to key stakeholders in the education and environmental sectors, including the Secretary of Environment Protection & Climate Change Department, the Secretary of Higher Education, and the Secretary of School Education Department, Punjab. Additionally, Deputy Commissioners of Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Attock, and Jhelum, along with the CEO of Education for these districts, have been instructed to facilitate the smooth reopening of schools and ensure compliance with ongoing health advisories.

The move has been generally welcomed by parents and educational authorities, who had expressed concern over the impact of school closures on children’s education. With the reopening, the EPA continues to monitor the air quality situation closely, maintaining readiness to act should the need arise again.

This decision marks a significant step towards normalizing educational operations in the Rawalpindi Division, reflecting the government’s responsiveness to changing environmental conditions and commitment to ensuring the safety and education of its younger population.