Smog: Markets open, schools closed tomorrow in Punjab

Lahore: In view of the smog, the Punjab government has decided to keep educational institutions closed and markets open tomorrow (Saturday) and Saturday.

The meeting of the Cabinet Committee for anti-smog was held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi, in which the current situation of smog was reviewed.

The environmental and health experts presented suggestions to reduce smog and protect it from the harmful effects of smog.

Provincial Ministers SM Tanveer, Dr. Javed Akram, Mansoor Qadir, Aamir Mir, Azfar Ali Nasir, Ibrahim Hasan Murad, Bilal Afzal, Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police, Chairman Planning and Development Board, Additional Chief Secretary Interior and secretaries of related departments and High officials attended the meeting.

Addressing the meeting, Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi said that educational institutions will remain closed tomorrow and Saturday, while markets, malls and business establishments will remain open as usual tomorrow and the day after.

Mohsin Naqvi stated that restaurants and other business houses will also remain open as usual. December 18 onwards, there will be winter vacations in educational institutions of Punjab.

The Caretaker Chief Minister directed to continue the process of road cleaning and water sprinkling while also ordering an effective crackdown against smoke emitting vehicles.

Mohsin Naqvi further said that indiscriminate action should be continued against tire burning factories. Every human effort is being taken to reduce smog and keep the Air Quality Index (AQI) as low as possible.