In response to the alarming levels of smog, the caretaker Punjab government has taken measures to address the issue.
As of November 18, all public and private educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, will be closed in ten districts of the province. This decision is part of a broader effort to mitigate the impact of the hazardous smog.
A notification from the provincial government also announced the closure of shops, gyms, and cinemas in these districts until 3 PM on Saturday. The ten affected districts are Lahore, Gujranwala, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad, and Mandi Bahuddin.
These areas, identified with the highest air quality index (AQI), will also experience “restricted movement.”
The Lahore High Court (LHC) had previously directed offices to adopt a work-from-home policy twice a week as a response to the persistent smog issue. The court has consistently advocated for measures to combat smog, including promoting cycling.
The provincial government had earlier declared four holidays to address the smog situation. Minister of Planning and Development, Forrest Wildlife and Fisheries & Environmental Protection, Bilal Afzal, emphasized that transport contributes significantly to smog, accounting for 45% of the problem.
The temporary closure of educational institutes and other measures in the specified districts aims to tackle the pressing issue of smog, with a focus on minimizing outdoor activities and reducing sources of pollution, particularly in the realm of transportation.