The caretaker government in Punjab, Pakistan, has announced a four-day holiday in response to the worsening smog situation. Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi explained in a press conference that the holidays would begin on Thursday (a public holiday for Iqbal Day) and extend through the weekend. This decision aims to address the pollution that poses health risks to citizens.
The government has declared a national holiday on November 9, with schools and offices to remain closed on November 10 in Punjab. Additionally, markets will be closed on Saturdays, and traders have the option to close markets on Fridays as well.
The chief minister urged the public to stay indoors during these four holidays, highlighting Lahore’s status as one of the worst smog-affected cities in the world.
Last week, the interim government in Punjab declared a state of emergency to address the deteriorating smog situation, particularly in Lahore, following a directive from the Lahore High Court to take action to protect citizens’ health.
