LAHORE: The Punjab School Education Department has imposed a strict ban on the use of mobile phones by students in all public and private schools across the province. The directive, issued to district education authorities, requires immediate enforcement and emphasizes strict compliance. Schools have been instructed to encourage students’ participation in academic and co-curricular activities, with a focus on personality development programs.
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The notification follows a resolution presented by MPA Raheela Khadim Hussain, which was recently passed by a majority in the Punjab Assembly. Authorities hope the ban will promote focused learning and limit distractions caused by mobile devices.
Separately, Punjab’s environment authorities have adjusted school timings due to rising smog levels. Schools will not open before 8:45 a.m., and violations may result in fines ranging from five to ten lakh rupees. Air quality readings in Lahore have recently surged to hazardous levels, with an AQI of 346, making the city the second most polluted in the world after New Delhi. Health experts have urged residents to wear masks and limit outdoor travel.
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Winter vacations in Punjab are scheduled from December 23, 2025, to January 11, 2026, with schools reopening on January 13. Despite rumors, authorities have clarified that no decision has been taken to close schools early due to smog.