Punjab govt mulls holiday on Wednesday to combat smog.

The provincial government of Punjab in Pakistan is considAering a proposal for a weekly Wednesday holiday to combat smog. This measure aims to reduce pollution levels and imAprove air quality in the region. Under this proposal, markets, universities, schools, banks, traffic, and offices would be closed every Wednesday, startAing from the following week.

However, there has been some confusion among citiAzens regarding the implemenAtation date of this decision. The Commissioner's Office clarified that the new policy would take effect from the upcoming week, pending apAproval from the provincial cabinet. Until then, all educaAtional institutions, markets, and offices would remain open on Wednesdays. Additionally, there is a proposal for 'work from home' arrangements in educational institutions and offices, which has been subAmitted to the Punjab governAment. The final decision on these measures will be made by the provincial government.

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The Commissioner of Lahore, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, emphasized the importance of taking businessmen into confiAdence when making these deciAsions. He also pledged strict acAtion against uncovered trolleys, open building debris, and the failure to sprinkle water in conAstruction areas. In an effort to combat smog, Section 144 has been imposed in the entire diviAsion, including Lahore. This secAtion allows legal action against various activities that contribAute to pollution, such as burnAing waste and crop residue, as well as keeping or disposing of building debris improperly.

The Punjab Government's spokesperson stated that the final decision on the weekly holiday and other anti-smog measures would be taken by the provincial cabinet. This inAcludes the 'work from home' proposal for educational and government institutions. RecAommendations from experts and related departments will be reviewed in the next cabiAnet meeting. Despite these efforts, a significant faction of Lahore's trader union has...