Govt announces Friday as 'Smog Holiday' in Lahore, Gujranwala divisions

To curb the heavy smog issue, the Punjab government has announced a public holiday on Friday in the Lahore and Gujranwala divisions.
According to the 24News HD TV channel, this decision was taken by the Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi in a smog review meeting held here in Lahore on Tuesday.
After the meeting, CM Naqvi held a press conference and said offices and schools will remain closed on Friday due to the smog situation as this measure is likely aimed at reducing the number of people commuting and being exposed to hazardous air quality.
CM Naqvi said hotels and cinemas will be closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as it is likely to reduce indoor gatherings and potentially limit indoor activities that could contribute to the worsening air quality.
He also said that all parks will be closed for three days, which is intended to discourage outdoor activities that may expose people to harmful levels of air pollution while markets will be closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Talking to the media, CM Naqvi said the smog problem is intensified in the border city of Lahore due to the burning of crop residues in India and his government was making an effort to reduce air pollution in the province.
The smog review meeting was attended by provincial ministers SM Tanveer, Dr Javed Akram, Mansoor Qadir, Aamir Mir, Azfar Ali Nasir, Bilal Afzal, Ibrahim Murad, Inspector General of Police Dr Usman, Chairman Planning and Development Board, Senior Member Board of Revenue, Secretaries of the Agriculture, Health, Finance, Communication, Environment, Transport, Local Government, School Education, and Industries, PITB Chairman, Commissioner of Lahore, EPA Director General, PHA Director General, Deputy Commissioner of Lahore, CTO Lahore, and other officials.

It is worth noting that the Punjab government has already announced an Allama Iqbal Day holiday on Thursday, November 9 across the province so now the offices, hotels, cinemas, and parks in the Lahore and Gujranwala divisions will remain closed for four days [Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday].   

Reporter: Durre Nayyab