Punjab Closes Markets & Restaurants in Lahore and Other Cities on Weekend

In light of the increasing smog levels in Lahore and other cities of Punjab, the provincial government has decided to announce a four-day holiday in the smog-hit areas.

According to the details, all markets, schools, shopping malls, and restaurants will remain closed in Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur, District Gujranwala, District Hafizabad, and District Narowal.

However, the restaurants will be allowed to carry out home delivery and take-away services.

The interim government has decided to announce an all-out closure in these cities due to the increasing smog levels in order to protect public health and converse lives.

The notification also urges citizens to keep indoors with “limited movement of people to and from these areas by public and private transport.”

However, the following are exempted from the order:

Pharmacies / Medical Stores
Medical Facilities
Tandoors
Bakeries
Grocery and Kiryana Stores
Milk and Dairy Shops
Sweet Shops
Vegetable and Fruit Shops
Chicken and Meat Shops
E-commerce and Postal Services
Utility Services

Meanwhile, the government has instructed large departmental stores to only keep their grocery and pharmacy sections open while other sections remain closed.

Here is the complete notification: