Keeping in view the worsening smog condition in Punjab, the provincial government restricted the business activities in four districts of provincial including Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad and Gujranwala till 8pm besides banning public gathers.
In line with the notification issued by Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Director General Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh the other day, the general stores, markets and shopping centres were asked to round up their activities before 8pm. However, essential services like medical stores, bakeries, petrol stations, grocery stores, and fruit and meat shops will remain open. On the other hand, utilities such as electricity, gas, internet, and phone services are also exempted from these restrictions.
The restrictions will also be not implemented on religious gatherings, prayers, funerals, and burials. General public has been advised by the government to avoid unnecessary traveling and using masks to keep them safe.
The major question in this connection whether the provincial government has chalked out any plan for implementation of these restrictions in the said districts? If government has any plan in regard, whether it will be able to implement the plan?
If the answer is in ‘No’, then the issuance of notification of earlier closure of markets will be useless.
