Daily Times

The Punjab government announced on Thursday the resumption of outdoor activities as the air quality and smog crisis improve in Lahore and other cities of the province.

According to the notification, outdoor activities and destinations including parks – both public and private – historical sites, monuments, museums, sporting events, play lands, exhibitions and festivals have been allowed to open from November 22 in Punjab.

The destinations mentioned above are only allowed to remain open and active until 8pm, the notification says.

However, the government has requested the citizens to adhere to some rules and regulations such as the usage of masks in open areas, adults 65 years or more old shall avoid “strenuous exercise”, people suffering from heart and lung issues should consult with their doctors before opting for outdoor activities and children aged less than five years should not be allowed in the playgrounds for longer periods.

The public has been further notified that all marketplaces in the cities of Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala will be closed as the clock strikes 8pm while businesses have been allowed to operate on Saturdays and Sundays as well.

However, pharmacies, medical facilities and laboratories, vaccination hubs, petrol pumps and oil depots, tandoors, bakeries, grocery stores, dairy shops, postal and utility services as well as others are exempted from this restriction.

“Large departmental stores may only keep their grocery/pharmacy sections open while all other sections will remain closed,” the notification further reads.

The government has also allowed the deputy commissioner of districts concerned to decide other exemptions “if needed necessary”.

Lahore and other cities of the province were swarmed by a severe smog crisis and the government was forced to take drastic actions, including the closure of schools. The air quality was dangerously poor, leaving residents struggling to breathe.

The provincial government’s Environmental Protection Agency had also ordered a complete ban on the people’s entry in all parks (public and private), zoos, playgrounds, historical places, monuments, museums and joy/play lands effective November 8, a notification signed by the director general of the agency Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh.