LAHORE: The Punjab government on Friday notified ‘smart lockdown’ in 10 districts of the province to curb smog on Saturday (today).

Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabil Javed has ordered restricting normal life in Lahore and Gujranwala divisions, as per a handout.

He said that transportation will be restricted in Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur Gujranwala, Gujarat, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad and Mandi Bahauddin districts.

According to the decision, all public and private educational institutions will be closed on November 18 (today) in these districts. However, the educational institutions can organise online classes, if they want. Nabil Javed further said the markets, shops, cinemas and offices will be closed till 3pm.

He said the people and the government together can avoid the harmful effects of smog, which is spreading diseases, seeking cooperation of the businesses community in this regard.

Published in Dawn, November 18th, 2023