The Punjab government eased anti-smog measures on Monday with an improvement in the air quality index in many cities, however, big cities still dealing with air pollution.

Punjab, home to more than half of Pakistan’s 240 million people, closed schools in its major cities on November 6, and on Friday extended the closure to November 24.

It has also banned all outdoor sports in schools until January, and cracked down on polluting tuk-tuks, barbecues and construction sites in pollution hot spots across Lahore.

The decision was followed by declaring the smog situation a “calamity” last month.

Seasonal crop burn-off by farmers on the outskirts of the city also contributes to toxic air the WHO says can cause strokes, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases.

While schools were previously set to remain closed until November 24, there is a glimmer of hope as Lahore’s air quality index (AQI) showed a slight improvement, finally dropping out of the “hazardous” category for the first time in 12 days. It was “unhealthy” by 7pm on Monday with an AQI score of 179.

“The ambient air quality has improved in most districts of Punjab due to rain in upper parts of Punjab, change in wind direction and speed,” the provincial government said in a statement.

“Therefore, all the educational institutions, except Lahore and Multan Divisions, shall be opened with effect from November 19 (tomorrow) with physical presence of students/staff,” it added.

But they have to follow certain restrictions like schools opening at 8:45am, wearing face masks mandatory, a ban on outdoor sports and outdoor co-curricular activities, and “class-wise school closing timing” to avoid traffic congestion.

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Meanwhile, the provincial government revised the timings of hotels and restaurants. Earlier, dining (including eating in car parking) after 4pm and takeaway after 8pm for eating outlets was banned.

According to the revised timing, “All kinds of hotels, restaurants, food chains and food outlets are allowed to provide services (including dine-in and takeaway and eatery in car parking) till 10pm throughout the province.”

No restriction has been imposed on home delivery services round the clock.