LAHORE : The Punjab Government made a significant announcement on Thursday, declaring the complete closure of schools on Friday and Saturday.
Interim Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi received a briefing on the measures taken by the Anti-Smog Committee to combat smog.
During the meeting, it was decided that educational institutions would be shut down in 10 districts of Punjab, affecting Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Sahiwal, and Multan divisions.
After the meeting, Mohsin Naqvi addressed the media, stating that the Punjab Government had opted to provide subsidies to 10,000 students who choose to purchase electric bikes for commuting.
He also mentioned that the government opposed the closure of markets, so they would open at 3 pm on Friday and Saturday and remain completely closed on Sunday.
Naqvi discussed the preparations made for artificial rain and the installation of smog towers to alleviate the hardships faced by people affected by smog.
Meanwhile, Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, maintained its position as the second most polluted city in the world for the second consecutive day on Thursday, with smog obscuring the sun.
The average air quality index (AQI) for the city was recorded at 272 in the morning. However, specific areas like The Mall registered an AQI of 474, and Amir Town recorded 385, both considered highly unhealthy.
According to the Meteorological Department, Lahore’s minimum temperature is expected to be 12 degrees Celsius, with a maximum of 26 degrees Celsius.
Despite recommendations from the provincial government and doctors to wear masks, many Lahorites paid no heed, leading to a rise in respiratory problems.
