The Punjab government announced a work-from-home policy for not only public but also private offices in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Multan divisions on Wednesday, due to the Hazardous air-quality-index.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the government has decided that 50 per cent of government and private offices would work from home.
Aurangzeb explained that reducing daily travel and maintaining a lower number of employees on-site would alleviate congestion and help curb the emission levels in heavily affected areas.
Government departments have been instructed to use virtual platforms like Zoom to conduct meetings and communicate with employees.
Aurangzeb further highlighted that these temporary restrictions are necessary to address the severe health implications of the persistent smog, which has been exacerbated by cross-border winds carrying pollutants from neighboring regions.
