Lahore: The Punjab government, in view of the smog, has announced a holiday on Friday in Lahore and various districts of Punjab, including Gujranwala, Vehari, and Hafizabad.
Smog has turned Lahore into one of the most polluted cities in the world. Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, announced a holiday on November 10th, Friday, in all the districts of Lahore Division, Gujranwala, Vehari, and Hafizabad due to smog.
During a press conference, Mohsin Naqvi mentioned that on Friday, offices and schools will be closed. He also said that weddings will continue on the weekend, but parks will be closed, while bakeries, pharmacies, take-away restaurants, and public transportation will remain open.
The Chief Minister of Punjab clarified that factories will not be closed. If we shut down the kilns for four days, it will create a problem. We are announcing a holiday after careful consideration. Fridays are already a half-day for schools, and the markets will be closed for the whole week. If traders consider Friday suitable, they can close their businesses.
Mohsin Naqvi highlighted that the residue of crop burning in India is affecting Punjab, Pakistan, and they are striving to bring the smog levels down. He mentioned that it is not possible to eliminate smog completely, and it will also depend on rainfall to some extent.
He further explained that schools have also been closed in New Delhi, India. Tough decisions have also been made there. They are monitoring the cities with severe smog. If you want to stay in Lahore for the next three or four days, stay indoors.
Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that the public should wear masks, and children and the elderly should be made to wear masks.
(Credit: Geo News)