Mohsin Naqvi, the environment minister for Punjab, in a cabinet meeting decided to close all markets, malls, theatres, cinemas, and takeaways on Saturdays and to allow only takeaways and home deliveries on Fridays.
It is also said that authorities have decided to close all colleges, universities, and schools on Fridays. Finally, a soft smog lockdown in Punjab is being considered.
Mohsin Naqvi clarified that there is no harm in keeping markets open until late at night because the Air Quality Index (AQI) is higher in the morning and decreases in the afternoon at the AQI level.
He stated that six districts—the divisions of Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Sahiwal, and Sargodha—are experiencing significant pollution effects.
On Fridays and Saturdays, marketplaces in these districts will stay open until 3 PM, while on Sundays, all shops will be closed. The Mall Road will only be accessible by bicycle on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Mohsin Naqvi underlined the value of wearing masks to defend against smog and mentioned that plans are in place for artificial rainfall to lessen it. Even if attempts are being made to create artificial rainfall in order to reduce haze, he advised the people to wear masks as a protective step.
The decision to offer subsidized electric motorcycles to the general public was made public by Mohsin Naqvi. Government workers will also be able to purchase electric motorcycles on an installment basis. With an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 504, it is still clear that Lahore is the most polluted city in the world.
Moreover, Karachi has an AQI of 177, making it the second most polluted city. For more details you can visit Punjab Official Website