Punjab govt lifts time restrictions on markets, restaurants

After reasonable improvement in Air Quality Index (AQI), Director-General Environment Dr Hamid Sheikh issued a notification to immediately lift the time restrictions on all markets in Punjab, reported 4NewsHD TV channel.

The notification issued on Friday stated that according to Punjab Environmental Act 1997 the Punjab government has decided to lift the ban on closing timings of markets and bazaars.

Now all restaurants, hotels, shopping malls, food outlets will remain open beyond 8 pm.

Director-General also informed all the relevant heads of departments in this regard.

Earlier, the Punjab government ordered closure of trader markets and businesses in four districts of the province at 8pm due to persistence of toxic Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in the province despite smog-specific steps.

With air pollution reaching unprecedented levels, various restrictions have been imposed on business activities and public gatherings in Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala.

The Air Quality Index for several cities in Punjab was very high reaching 1304 in Lahore and 978 in Multan. The index ranks AQI above 300 as “hazardous” to health. 

Reporter: Komal Aslam