Health emergency imposed in two most polluted cities of Punjab

Senior Minister of Punjab, Marriyum Aurangzeb, has said in a presser that a health emergency has been imposed in Lahore and Multan due to the worsening situation of smog in the province. 

The Senior Minister announced that there will be a complete lockdown in Lahore and Multan on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

All construction will be banned from Saturday to next Sunday in both cities. 

The leaves of health department staff on different desks and hospitals have been cancelled and it is directed to provide medicine in abundance while citizens are advised not to go out on bikes except in case of emergency and use masks.

The senior minister added that data will be monitored by upcoming Wednesday. She observed that the smog has turned into a health crisis and the Punjab government is taking all possible measures to prevent smog. Marriyum Aurangzeb made it a point to mention that the government has introduced a 10-year policy to prevent smog.

Maryam Aurangzeb noted that the brick kilns that do not follow zigzag technology are being demolished. 

However, controlling smog is a long-term process but for now emergency measures are being taken for the next three months.

The senior minister further announced that schools will remain closed for another week due to smog and online classes will be held in colleges and universities.

Restaurants have been asked to close operations till 4 pm. 

However, take away food from restaurants will be allowed till 8 pm.

Lahore High Court

Justice Shahid Karim of Lahore High Court heard petitions filed for remedying smog.

Advocate General Punjab Khalid Ishaq appeared in court to represent the government.

During the hearing, the court directed the Advocate General that when the Chief Minister of Punjab comes back, she should discuss a long-term policy on smog for at least a decade. 

The Advocate General told the court that the budget has been allocated for running electric buses in Punjab. These electric buses will be on the roads before June next year while we are also taking measures related to food security.

The Advocate General told the court that measures are also being taken to deal with the flood situation and to secure rainwater, the ground surface temperature has also increased, we are also working on it.

He said that the work for the urban forestation has started and he will present a report to the court in March. 

Later, the court adjourned further hearing of the case till next week while seeking implementation reports of measures related to smog.