FOR the next few decades, it appears that smog and Lahore are likely to contuinue going hand in hand. Government policy regarding closure of schools due to smog, inclement weather, political rallies, protests etc., has taken its toll on the education of our students. Pakistan`s next generation is being destroyed because our students remain out of school for more than 230 of the 365 days that a calendar year has.

Knowing that smog will not subside or be managed easily in the near term, the schoolyearcanbe,andshouldbe,adapted to ensure that students` education and health do not suffer.

Instead of only two weeks of winter holidays in Punjab, the government should consider closing schools from Nov 15 toJan 15, and in lieu of these holidays, keep the schools open between June 1 to July 15 when there is low humidity. Subsequently, summer holidays should be observed between July 15 and Sept 15 when there is high humidity and the danger of dengue and typhoid is increased.

Educationists as well as administrators across the country, especially in Punjab, should come up with relevant suggestions in this regard. Besides, the government should pay heed to such input with due sincerity, taking measures to cope with the menace effectively. After all, it is a matter of the future of the students and the nation.

Maham Abbas Lahore