As Punjab continues to battle dense smog, the provincial government has banned all outdoor activities in Multan, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad—the districts most affected after Lahore—until November 17.
“The average AQI in these districts has exceeded 500, a level critically hazardous to human health,” stated an official notification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Punjab government.
The notification noted that despite extensive efforts to reduce air pollution, these heavily smog-affected areas have seen a significant rise in patients with respiratory diseases, allergies, eye and throat irritations, and conjunctivitis.
This measure is implemented under Section 6(1)(t) of the Punjab Environmental Protection Act 1997, which calls for actions to protect, rehabilitate, and improve the environment, prevent pollution, and promote sustainable development.
In addition to suspending all outdoor activities, including sports events, exhibitions, festivals, and outdoor dining, shops, markets, and shopping malls have been ordered to close by 8 pm. However, religious gatherings and essential religious rites, such as funerals and burial ceremonies, are exempt from this restriction.
Essential services, including pharmacies, medical facilities, laboratories, vaccination centers, petrol pumps, oil depots, tandoors, bakeries, grocery stores, milk shops, and produce vendors, are allowed to remain open after 8 pm. Large departmental stores may keep their grocery and pharmacy sections open as well.
“Any other exemptions, if necessary, may be granted by the Deputy Commissioner of the respective district,” the notification stated.
The ban on outdoor activities takes effect today (November 11) and will continue until November 17, with violations punishable under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Residents in Lahore have been enduring the smog for weeks as pollution levels rise with cooling temperatures, and the toxic air has spread to other districts. Lahore once again topped the list of the most polluted major cities worldwide on Monday, while Multan recorded the country’s highest AQI, exceeding “hazardous” levels and posing severe health risks with prolonged exposure.
Thick smog has also enveloped Bahawalpur, Rajanpur, and other areas in Punjab. Last week, authorities responded by limiting outdoor activities in Lahore, closing schools, and restricting access to parks and other open-air public spaces.
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Loving the excuses rija . U have so many podcasts and not over u bothered to tell these people that smog is not affected by lame excuses 😂
Physics is not reliant on Pakistan laws . It’s any laws of lands . U burn stuff u get emissions . Simple fact . U can make as many excuses as u like . None of them work .