Punjab govt smog lockdown notification: measures announced for cities including Lahore, Gujranwala

WEB DESK: In a significant development, the Punjab government has declared smog as a calamity, highlighting the escalating threat posed by bacterial or smog-related diseases, as well as exposure to smoke, dust, and chemicals.

The announcement, made through an official notification by Nabeel Javed, Relief Commissioner Punjab, mandates the implementation of rigorous safety measures to combat the rising health hazards associated with smog.

Citing the alarming increase in Air Quality Index (AQI) particularly in the Divisions of Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan, Sargodha, Faisalabad, and Sahiwal, which have been identified as potential hotspots for conjunctivitis due to smog, the Relief Commissioner invoked the powers conferred under the Punjab National Calamities (Prevention and Relief) Act 1958.

As a result, a “restricted movement” order has been imposed in the aforementioned divisions.

Furthermore, specific measures are set to be observed on Sunday, the 26th of November 2023:

– Closure of all public and private schools, colleges, universities, and educational institutions.

– Shutdown of all markets and shops.

– Restaurants permitted to operate only after 04:00 PM.

– Mandatory wearing of face masks during outdoor activities.

Certain exemptions from these measures have been outlined, including:

1. Pharmacies/Medical Stores, Medical Facilities, and Vaccination Centers.
2. Petrol Pumps, Oil Depots, Tandoors, Bakeries, Grocery/Karyana stores, Milk/Dairy Shops, Sweet Shops, Vegetable/Fruit Shops, Chicken/Meat Shops.
3. E-commerce/Postal/Courier Services, Utility Services (Electricity, Natural Gas, Internet, Cellular Networks/Telecom), call centers, and international IT centers.
4. Already scheduled exams/assessment tests.
5. Public offices rendering essential services.
6. Any exemption deemed necessary by the Commissioner of the concerned division.

To ensure widespread awareness, the order will be publicised through official gazettes, daily newspapers, and broadcasting channels such as Radio Pakistan, Pakistan Television, and other TV channels.

This move underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health and mitigating the impact of smog-related calamities in the affected regions.

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