Punjab schools to remain closed on Friday, Saturday

Cities include Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Multan, Sahiwal for enforcement of decisions

The Punjab government on Thursday decided to shut all educational institutions in six districts of the province on Fridays and Saturdays as part of measures to mitigate smog.

Speaking to the media after a meeting of the provincial cabinet, Interim Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi added all businesses including markets and restaurants would open after 3pm and markets would remain closed on Sundays. 

Similarly, government offices which function on Fridays and Saturdays, will commence operations at 3pm. 

The decision will also be implemented in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Multan, and Sahiwal.

Read Punjab declares smog emergency

Artificial rain

Talking about the prospects of artificial rain, the caretaker chief minister said if the situation is favourable on November 29, artificial rain would be made on the day. 

Referring to other measures, Naqvi said 10,000 students would be provided with electric bikes on subsidy, and government employees would also be able to avail the initiative on lease.

Held meeting to combat SMOG challenge with a comprehensive plan:

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

— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) November 23, 2023

The entry of vehicles on Lahore's Mall Road would be barred on Sunday, and only bicycles would be permitted. 

Due to the poor air quality, the decisions will be immediately implemented in the aforementioned cities.

Furthermore, the interim CM said that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed to install air purifier towers in Lahore, the second-most polluted.

The decision also includes doubling the amount of water sprinkling on the roads to reduce smog and asking citizens to wear face masks.