Schools, markets to remain closed on Wednesday

LAHORE: All private and public schools along with markets would remain closed on Wednesday due to the worsening smog situation in the provincial capital Lahore, ARY News reported citing sources.

According to details, the Punjab government was mulling imposing coronavirus-like restrictions in Lahore to control the worsening smog situation.

According to sources, the authorities are likely to announce a complete shutdown on Wednesdays when all schools, markets, and factories will be closed.

Under the new recommended policy, the government departments will operate with 50% strength on Wednesday while it has also been advised to carry out snap-checking on weekends — Saturday and Sunday.

It has also been suggested to impose heavy fines on factories violating the law, said sources.

The unusual traffic in the metropolis is the main reason behind smog while emissions from factories only contribute 7% in overall pollution in Lahore.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa said the authorities will announce a work from home policy for two months to combat smog in the Lahore Division.

Lahore traders supported the measure to keep markets closed on Wednesdays, he said, adding that the traders can open markets on Sundays.

Earlier, the Lahore High Court (LHC) directed the authorities to fine vehicles over wrong parking in the provincial capital.

The LHC bench issued orders while hearing a petition seeking the court’s intervention to curb smog. Justice Shahid Karim resumed the hearing on the plea of citizen, Haroon Farooq and others.

The LHC ordered to slap fine of Rs3,000 on the individuals washing their vehicles in homes and a fine of Rs5,000 over wrong parking in the city. The court ordered to deposit of the money of the fine in the WASA’s kitty.