Following a substantial rainfall in parts of Punjab on Friday, the provincial government has opted to end the lockdown that was implemented to address the dense smog affecting various districts, leading to hazardous air quality.
The heavy downpour effectively cleared the smog, resulting in a significant improvement in air quality.
Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced, “After evaluating the enhanced air quality following the recent rainfall, in collaboration with experts and the Punjab environment department, we have decided to lift the lockdown,”
He mentioned that shops and markets can resume regular operations, and restaurants can operate beyond 6pm, as per the previous smart lockdown restrictions imposed due to the smog situation.
“The recent restrictions related to smog will be lifted from tomorrow morning,” he added.
On Thursday, Punjab authorities modified a previously imposed lockdown in various districts, including Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, and Narowal.
According to the notification, markets in the smog-affected districts were permitted to open on Thursday and Friday, with closures planned for Saturday and Sunday.
Earlier in the week, an environmental and health emergency was declared in Lahore, Gujranwala, and Hafizabad divisions for four days due to severe smog conditions.
At this Air Quality Index (AQI) level, the city maintained its status as one of the most polluted, with residents experiencing a persistent hazy and smoggy atmosphere, severely impacting outdoor air quality and making normal breathing nearly impossible.
OIC Summit: Saudi Crown Prince Demands Immediate Halt To Gaza Bombing
Meanwhile, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has urged for an immediate halt to the Gaza bombing.
He emphasized the humanitarian crisis and criticized the international community’s failure to address Israel’s alleged violations of international humanitarian laws.
Speaking at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit on Gaza in Riyadh today, he called for the release of all captives and prisoners, condemning what he described as a “dual standards” approach by the world.
