Punjab government declares four-day holiday to combat smog crisis. In a proactive move to address the escalating smog crisis, the caretaker Punjab government has announced a comprehensive four-day holiday across the province.
Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi revealed this decision during a press conference, stating that the holidays would span from Thursday to Sunday, beginning on November 9.
This initiative, motivated by concerns over the severe health risks posed by the hazardous air quality, includes a national holiday on November 9, followed by the closure of schools and offices on November 10.
The urgency of this measure is underscored by Lahore, Punjab’s capital, being labeled one of the most severely smog-affected cities in the world.
Also read: LHC orders govt to impose smog emergency in Lahore
The interim government had recently declared a state of emergency throughout the province, particularly focusing on Lahore, in response to the deteriorating air quality.
Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the importance of safeguarding citizens’ well-being, urging the public to stay indoors during these designated holidays.
During this four-day period, all educational institutions, government offices, and markets will remain closed. Exceptions will be made only for schools that typically operate on Saturdays, which will be instructed to shut down for the entire week.
Furthermore, markets are mandated to close on Saturdays, and traders have been given the option to also close their establishments on Fridays if they find it feasible.
As Punjab government declares four-day holiday to combat smog crisis, this decision follows a directive from the Lahore High Court (LHC) instructing the administration to enforce a smog emergency to protect the health of citizens.
The caretaker government’s proactive approach aims to mitigate the adverse effects of smog, signaling a concerted effort to prioritize public health and tackle the worsening environmental crisis.
Citizens are urged to adhere to safety guidelines, including staying indoors, to minimize exposure to the hazardous air quality during this critical period.
