Punjab to shut down educational institutions in smog-hit areas on Friday, Saturday
Punjab will shut down educational institutions in smog-hit areas on Friday and Saturday!
The provincial government on Thursday notified that all schools, colleges and universities will remain closed on Friday and Saturday, amid the measures to curb smog across the province as it impacts the daily life of citizens.
The smog-hit cities of Punjab include Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Kasur, Sheikupura, Hafizabad, Narowal, Nankana Sahib and Sialkot.
Earlier in the day, Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi, after chairing a high-level meeting of the Punjab Cabinet Anti-Smog Committee today, announced the provincial government’s decision during a press conference in Lahore.
CM Punjab said the government’s policies will be implemented across six provincial divisions including Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Sahiwal, and Sargodha.
Markets and restaurants will open for work at 3 pm on Friday and Saturday, while all kinds of businesses will have to be closed on Sunday, he added.
“Markets c and remain open till night. We don’t want anyone to suffer loss, but they will have to adjust according to the situation,” he said.
CM Punjab said offices will remain operational on Friday but will open for work at 3 pm on Saturday.
These measures are being taken as Air Quality Index (AQI) levels are higher in the morning and decrease with time, the chief minister added.
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 government will also install towers to clear smog in Lahore, CM Punjab said, adding that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard has been signed.
