The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered to keep all educational institutions closed on all Saturdays until the end of January, owing to the relentless heavy smog. The court directed the deputy commissioner and others to issue notifications to shut down schools, colleges, and universities on Saturdays. Justice Shahid Karim issued a written order on the petitions filed for dealing with heavy smog engulfing Lahore and other parts of Punjab. The Punjab government is taking steps to enable working from home two days a week, the written order stated.

 The court also suspended part of the government’s notification regarding the closure of gyms. It explained that this notification was issued under the provisions related to the coronavirus and can no longer be applied. The court order also directed the environment department to take departmental action against officers who did not take action against smog.

On Sunday, caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi had made wearing masks mandatory across the province for a week.In a notification issued on Sunday afternoon, Naqvi said that that decision was taken for all smog-affected districts of Punjab in view of the deteriorating air quality. "Prioritising health is our collective responsibility. Please adhere to the guidelines for a safer community,” he urged the people in a post on his X account. 

 Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)