Lockdown relaxed for two days

Govt allows markets, restaurants, cinemas to operate today

LAHORE:

The Punjab government relaxed the smart lockdown restrictions in eight cities, allowing shopkeepers to open their businesses on Thursday and Friday.

Earlier, the government has imposed lockdown from Thursday to Sunday in Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Narowal and Hafizabad. As per the notification, the government had imposed the lockdown on educational institutions, offices, shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas and gyms in the eight cities.

However, following a strong reaction from the business and trading community, the government had to change its lockdown strategy and markets were allowed to continue their businesses for two days. Restaurants, cinemas and gyms were also allowed to remain operational.

Read Traders, govt at loggerheads

The government has also imposed a restriction on burning crop residues, garbage, tyres, polythene bags and leather.

Medical stores, pharmacies, petrol pumps, tandoors, bakeries and dairy shops are exempt from the lockdown restrictions.

The State Bank of Pakistan has also announced that commercial banks and financial institutions will remain closed on November 10 in the smog-hit districts.

The air quality index in the provincial capital surpassed the hazardous level of 400, causing serious health issues among the masses. Lahore was once again ranked the second most polluted city in the world.

The government appealed to the people to stay indoors during the lockdown days.

Read  Punjab govt announces public holiday to tackle smog crisis

However, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast rain in Lahore on Friday. A rain system was expected to enter in the city during the night.

A day earlier, local traders and restaurant owners had opposed the government’s move to impose the smart lockdown. The caretaker government had issued a stern warning of stringent actions against defiance.

In efforts to curb the prevailing smog conditions, the Punjab government had announced the imposition of Section 144 and health emergency in the Lahore division on Wednesday.

The notification announced the implementation of Section 144 in Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura and Nankana Sahib districts. Consequently, all educational institutions, government and private offices, cinemas, public parks and restaurants will remain closed in those districts on Saturday.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 10^th, 2023.