Midweek Closure
LAHORE: Due to the worsening smog situation in the provincial capital Lahore, all private and public schools, as well as markets, will remain closed on Wednesday.
Sources revealed that the Punjab government is considering imposing coronavirus-like restrictions in Lahore to manage the deteriorating smog situation.
Authorities are likely to announce a complete shutdown on Wednesdays, during which all schools, markets, and factories will face closure.
The new recommended policy suggests that government departments will operate at 50% capacity on Wednesdays and advises conducting snap-checking on weekends (Saturday and Sunday). Sources also indicate that authorities may impose heavy fines on factories that violate the law.
The main cause of smog in the metropolis is attributed to unusual traffic, with emissions from factories contributing only 7% to the overall pollution in Lahore.
Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa stated that authorities would implement a work-from-home policy for two months in the Lahore Division to combat smog.
Lahore traders expressed support for the measure to keep markets closed on Wednesdays, with the possibility of reopening markets on Sundays.
Previously, the Lahore High Court (LHC) issued orders directing authorities to fine individuals for wrong parking in the provincial capital.
The LHC bench, presided over by Justice Shahid Karim, issued these orders while hearing a petition aimed at curbing smog.
According to the orders, authorities will impose a fine of Rs3,000 on individuals who wash their vehicles at home and a fine of Rs5,000 for improper parking in the city, with the collected fines to deposit it into the WASA’s fund.
