Punjab govt declares smog emergency in province

The interim Punjab government, led by Syed Mohsin Naqvi, took strong action on Wednesday and declared an environmental emergency in the province in an effort to solve the worsening pollution situation.

The emergency was announced during a meeting convened to review the deteriorating smog situation, chaired by Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi himself.

The meeting was attended by provincial ministers, the Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police (IG), concerned secretaries, and senior officials.

It was emphasized throughout the conference that the dangerous pollution conditions would not be adequately addressed by closing schools and transit on their own.

For a duration of one month, all children attending school must wear masks as a precaution against student health. The acting chief minister emphasized the significance of this choice, stressing that the welfare of the students comes first.

In addition to the school mask mandate, the public has been urged to use masks as well. Citizens are encouraged to take precautions to safeguard their health in the face of the ongoing smog crisis.

Furthermore, in a significant move, the provincial ministers have been instructed to aid both public and private schools, beginning immediately.

Additionally, orders have been issued to withdraw fines previously imposed on farmers during the smog crisis.