Punjab Archives - FutureSoch

Punjab extends winter vacations for educational institutions

January 10, 2026 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to extend winter vacations for educational institutions across the province by one week, citing severe weather conditions and concerns over students’ health.

According to a statement issued by the Punjab Education Department on its official social media platforms, the decision was taken following a public survey conducted to seek citizens’ input. As per the revised schedule, educational institutions across Punjab will now reopen on January 19.

A spokesperson for the Punjab Education Department said the extension was approved after public consultation, adding that the move aims to safeguard students amid harsh winter conditions.

The spokesperson further stated that nearly 87 percent of respondents supported extending the holidays, while about 13 percent favored reopening institutions on January 12.

Punjab Education Minister emphasized that all Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of education departments must ensure strict implementation of the decision in their respective districts.

The department reiterated its commitment to prioritizing students’ health and safety while making policy decisions related to the academic calendar.

Kite flying allowed in Punjab with conditions

December 3, 2025 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: The colorful tradition of kite flying returns to Punjab after 25 years, with the government issuing a structured legal framework for safe Basant festivities.

Governor Punjab Sardar Salim Haider signed the ordinance allowing the celebration of Basant with certain restrictions, violations of which may result in fines and imprisonment.

Key provisions of the ordinance include:

Kite flying had been banned in Punjab since 2001. After 25 years, it is now permitted under strict regulations.

Children under 18 years old are prohibited from flying kites; parents or guardians will be held responsible for any violations.

Only cotton thread (“dhor”) is allowed; the use of metallic or sharp-edged threads will incur strict penalties.

Violations can result in 3 to 5 years imprisonment and fines up to PKR 2 million.

Motorcycles used in kite flying must comply with safety measures, and authorities may search suspicious locations or houses; offenses are non-bailable.

First-time violations by minors incur a PKR 50,000 fine, with a second violation attracting PKR 100,000; failure to pay will lead to action against the parent or guardian.

Kite associations must register with the relevant district deputy commissioner. Whistleblowers reporting violations will receive legal protection and encouragement.

Kites must be purchased only from registered sellers, each linked to a QR code; the same applies to kite strings and makers for traceability.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated that this move marks the revival of Punjab’s traditional cultural and festive heritage after three decades, restoring the spirit of Basant while ensuring safety and regulation.

Punjab suffers as Lahore again tops global pollution chart

October 29, 2025 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: The Lahore city once again topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities on Wednesday, as thick smog blanketed Punjab and the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to a hazardous 462.

According to real-time monitoring data, Sandha Road recorded an alarming AQI of 941, followed by Cantonment at 690, Iqbal Town at 639, and Burki Road at 616 — placing the provincial capital under severe smog conditions.

The situation was similarly dire in other major cities. Multan’s AQI hit 507, Faisalabad 712, Gujranwala 287, and Peshawar 219, all indicating unhealthy to extremely hazardous air quality.

Medical experts have urged citizens to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, wear protective masks, and keep windows closed, warning that prolonged exposure to the polluted air could trigger respiratory and cardiac complications, particularly among children and the elderly.

Authorities said the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) has mobilized its 16 mechanical washers and 50 washing rickshaws as part of the ongoing anti-smog operation. Around 200 sanitation workers have been deployed in the day shift and another 200 at night, carrying out washing and water sprinkling on over 300 kilometers of roads daily.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed that water sprinkling is being carried out twice a day across 47 major roads, including Jail Road, Main Boulevard Gulberg, Noor Jahan Road, MM Alam Road, GT Road, Band Road, Ravi Road, Shahdara, Saggian, Nazaria Pakistan Avenue, Raiwind Road, and Ferozepur Road, among other high-AQI areas.

In the night shift, mechanical washing and water sprinkling are being ensured at all entry and exit points of Lahore, in a bid to suppress dust and particulate matter contributing to smog formation.

Lahore’s air turns toxic as smog worsens across Punjab

October 27, 2025October 27, 2025 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: The Lahore continues to battle intense smog as air pollution in the city climbs to hazardous levels, raising serious health concerns among residents.

According to the Punjab Environment Protection Department’s website, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has climbed to 358, while Gujranwala recorded a hazardous 500 and Sargodha stood at 347.

Official data shows that Faisalabad’s AQI was recorded at 306, Multan’s at 304, and Dera Ghazi Khan’s at 244.

Among Lahore’s most polluted areas, Multan Road topped the list with an AQI of 500, followed by GT Road (500), Shahdara (391), and Safari Park (377). The AQI at Kahna and Punjab University was recorded at 335 each.

Punjab restricts protests and public gatherings province-wide

October 10, 2025 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: The Punjab government has enforced Section 144 across the province, restricting public gatherings and the display of firearms for the next ten days.

According to a notification issued by the Home Department, the restrictions have been enforced to maintain law and order in the province. The ban applies to rallies, processions, and sit-ins, which will remain prohibited during this period.

The ongoing notification states that under Section 144, the display of weapons and public gatherings will also be banned in the province.

Meanwhile, the use of loudspeakers besides Azan and Sermon across the province will also be prohibited.

It is to be remembered that Tehreek -e –Labbaik Pakistan has announced a march towards Islamabad today, there were some incidents of clashes between TLP workers and police in different cities of Punjab including Lahore.

Punjab on alert as heavy rains swell rivers

October 7, 2025October 7, 2025 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: Continuous downpours have led to rising river flows across Punjab, prompting the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to issue a flood alert and urge caution in low-lying areas.

According to a PDMA spokesperson, water flow in the Jhelum River at Mangla upstream is expected to increase, with the possibility of a medium-level flood within the next 24 hours. Meanwhile, low-level flooding has already been reported in the Sutlej River at Ganda Singh Wala and the Ravi River at Head Sidhnai.

While the worst of the flooding has passed in Bahawalpur district, the devastation it left behind is significant. Thousands of houses have collapsed, and standing crops over hundreds of thousands of acres have been destroyed.

The stagnant floodwaters have now led to a surge in mosquito populations, raising concerns over waterborne and vector-borne diseases.

In Multan’s Jalalpur Pirwala tehsil, drainage operations are still underway, with several low-lying areas remaining submerged. Authorities confirmed that all seven breaches at Noraja Bhutta Bund have been sealed.

However, the M-5 Motorway remains closed for a 25th consecutive day due to flood damage. Officials said a 23-kilometer stretch of the motorway was damaged at more than 13 points, and restoration work will begin soon. Traffic is currently being diverted through alternate routes.