In response to worsening smog conditions, both government and private schools across nine districts in Punjab will be closed on Friday and Saturday (Nov 24, and Nov 25). Â
Alongside educational institutions, markets, gyms, shops, and cinemas in Lahore will also observe closure until 3 pm on Friday and Saturday, as outlined in the latest government notification.
This precautionary measure is specifically targeted at areas most severely affected by smog, encompassing Lahore, Nankana, Sheikhupura, Kasur, and Gujranwala.
The notification further extends the closure to Sialkot, Gujrat, Narowal, Hafizabad, and Mandi Bahauddin on the same day.
The Punjab caretaker cabinet’s anti-smog committee has announced a series of proactive steps to combat the smog crisis.
Notable measures include the procurement of electric motorcycles for government officials.
The cabinet has also enforced a comprehensive ban on the purchase of motorcycles using fossil fuels, inaugurated the province’s first environmental laboratory, and mandated the closure of educational institutions and offices on Saturday.
In the coming month, the cabinet plans to facilitate the free registration of Chingchi rickshaws, followed by a crackdown on unregistered and sub-standard fuel-selling Chingchi rickshaws.
In the latest smog update, the provincial government in Punjab has mandated the wearing of face masks for all citizens engaging in outdoor activities in 10 critically affected districts from November 20 to 26..
This directive has been issued in the wake of news regarding increasing smog levels that have engulfed most of Punjab, but particularly the districts around Lahore.
Smog level in Lahore today is still being reported as hazardous with severe air quality issues. Similar observations have come from other districts including Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad, and Mandi Bahuddin, with Air Quality Index (AQI) numbers skyrocketing. This has led to a new set of restrictions.
