LAHORE: The government of the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency on Monday issued a notification to close markets, resultants, malls public places at 8pm in Lahore, and three other cities of Punjab, effective today.
The restrictions will be enforced in four major divisions, of Punjab including Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Multan.
The notification issued by Director General (DG) Environment Imran Hameed Sheikh, said there will be a ban on outdoor dining at restaurants.
All festivals and concerts will be prohibited in these cities to help reduce exposure to harmful smog.
Sectors exempted from smog restrictions
Pharmacies, medical stores, medical facilities, medical laboratories, vaccination centres, petrol pumps, oil depots, tandoors, bakeries, grocery and Haryana stores, milk and dairy shops, sweet shops, vegetable and fruit shops, chicken and meat shops, e-commerce, postal and courier services, and utility services (including electricity, natural gas, internet, and cellular networks/telecom).
“Large departmental stores may only keep their grocery and pharmacy sections open, while all other sections must remain closed,” it added.
According to the notification issued there is an unprecedented rise in the number of patients with lung and respiratory diseases, allergies, eye and throat irritation, and pink eye disease. The spread of conjunctivitis/ pink eye disease due to bacterial or viral infection, smoke, dust or chemical exposure is posing a serious and imminent threat to public health. Hence it is mandatory to take all necessary measures for prevention and control of these diseases in said districts.
“This order shall come into force with effect from 11th November 2024 (Monday) and shall remain in force till 17th November 2024 (Sunday),” it added.
Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday ordered the closure of all markets across Punjab by 8 p.m. as several parts of Pakistan’s most populated province struggle with a severe smog crisis. The LHC judge Justice Shahid Karim heard the citizen petitions for smog control. During the hearing, he issued a series of directives aimed at tackling pollution in Lahore and surrounding areas.
