Punjab smog holidays: What will remain open?

The Punjab caretaker government has revised its notification to exempt call centers and international IT centers from the imposed "lockdown" due to high pollution levels in several districts.

A public holiday was initially declared on November 10 in Lahore, Gujranwala, and other districts due to prevailing smog. However, the revised notification allows call centers and international IT centers to operate on November 10.

These will remain open

Essential services such as pharmacies, medical facilities, petrol pumps, tandoors, bakeries, and grocery stores remain open. Markets in the affected districts will operate today and tomorrow, while shopping malls and markets will be closed on Saturday and Sunday. Cinemas, restaurants, and gyms will remain open today. The decision affects Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala, Narowal, Hafizabad, and Sialkot.

An environmental and health emergency was declared in Lahore, Gujranwala, and Hafizabad divisions for four days due to hazardous smog conditions, with an air quality index of 390.