In Punjab, the provincial government has issued a notice stating the closure of all schools, colleges, and universities on both Friday and Saturday.
The decision comes as part of Punjab’s initiatives to address the smog issue, which significantly affects the daily lives of citizens.
Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi said during a news conference in Lahore, “We’ve decided to close schools on Friday and Saturday in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Sahiwal, and Sargodha divisions.” He added that the districts in question were experiencing extreme smog.
The following cities are affected by the smog: Hafizabad, Narowal, Nankana Sahib, Kasur, Sheikupura, Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Sahiwal, Sargodha, and Sialkot.
The Chief Minister of Punjab affirmed that the government’s policies would be enforced in six provincial divisions, encompassing Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Sahiwal, and Sargodha.
In addition, he stated that all types of businesses would have to close on Sunday, but markets and restaurants would open for business at 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. “We don’t want anyone to suffer loss, but they will have to adjust according to the situation,” he said of the markets.
In addition, the Punjab government imposed face masks for all citizens leaving their houses in ten districts on Sunday. In the past, it has also implemented a limited lockdown in response to the rising levels of air pollution.
The Chief Minister explained that these actions are being implemented due to elevated Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in the morning, which subsequently decrease as the day progresses.
Additionally, the government plans to install towers aimed at mitigating smog in Lahore. The Chief Minister of Punjab mentioned that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been formally signed for this initiative.
Held meeting to combat SMOG challenge with a comprehensive plan:
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) November 23, 2023
Short term plan:
1. Restrictions in 6 divisions for immediate impact. ( Lahore, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Multan)
2. Sunday market closures.
3. Saturday openings post 3pm for markets, restaurants… pic.twitter.com/iZHahiKzoq
The chief minister of Punjab stated that the provincial government had also started working on creating artificial rain in Lahore. He also stated that if all the requirements were met, authorities would look into the possibility of addressing pollution.
CM Naqvi also announced at the press conference that 10,000 electric bikes will be given to children in regions affected by pollution at no cost. He announced that the same facility will be made available for leasing to government workers as well.