Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi has announced a four-day holiday in specific divisions in response to a severe smog crisis.
Addressing a press briefing, CM Naqvi stated that these holidays would be effective from Thursday November 9th (celebrated as Iqbal Day, a national holiday) through to Sunday November 12th 2023. The intention behind this move is to mitigate the impact of the smog problem, he added.
The provincial chief executive conveyed that a national holiday is scheduled for November 9th, and on November 10th, schools and offices in Punjab will remain closed. The holiday will be observed in the Lahore Division — Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, and Nankana Sahib districts. It will also be applicable in Gujranwala and Hafizabad.
Naqvi pointed out that schools are already shut on Saturdays and Sundays, but if any school remains open this Saturday, they will be required to close as well. In addition, the markets will be closed on Saturdays, and traders have the option to consider closing shop on Friday if they find it feasible.
The decision comes as various areas of the province grapple with severe air pollution, largely stemming from the burning of crop residue by farmers, exacerbated by emissions from substandard diesel.
To address the worsening smog issue, the government had earlier appealed to citizens to wear facemasks for the next month and to limit unnecessary outdoor activities. Parents were also advised to ensure that their children use facemasks when attending school and colleges.
