Schools, colleges to be closed in Punjab on Friday, Saturday

The caretaker government in Punjab has announced a long weekend off due to uncontrolled toxic smog. The Punjab Cabinet Anti-Smog Committee has announced the closure of all schools, colleges, and universities on Friday, while markets, gyms, cinemas, theatres, and factories are to be completely shut on Saturday as well.

Restaurants will also be told to close for dine-in on Saturday with permission to be granted only for takeaway and home delivery. The government identified six districts that are stricken by smog the most. These are Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Sahiwal and Sargodha.

Held meeting to combat SMOG challenge with a comprehensive plan:

Short term plan:
1. Restrictions in 6 divisions for immediate impact. ( Lahore, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Multan)
2. Sunday market closures.
3. Saturday openings post 3pm for markets, restaurants… pic.twitter.com/iZHahiKzoq

— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) November 23, 2023

The meeting also proposed limiting public and private vehicles in Lahore, they said, adding that in government offices, only half of the employees will be asked to come to work.

“Only cycles will be allowed till five in the evening on Lahore’s Mall Road,” added caretaker Chief Minister Punjab.