After heavy rains in parts of Punjab on Friday, the provincial government decided to end the lockdown imposed to deal with dense smog surrounding several districts That is, deteriorating air quality to dangerous levels.
However, the rain swept the smog, resulting in improved air quality.
“Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on X that “after evaluating the improvement in air quality after the recent rains, in consultation with experts and the Department of the Environment، We have decided to end the lockdown.
He said shops and bazaars could work as usual while restaurants could continue to operate after 6 p.m, As is the ban under smart lockdown implemented in light of the smog situation.
“He added that recent restrictions on smog would be lifted from tomorrow morning.
Punjab authorities on Thursday reviewed pre-enacted lockdowns in several districts of the province, including Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Fakhr, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot and Narowal.
According to the notification, the markets of Smog-affected districts were to be allowed to operate on Thursdays and Fridays, but shopping malls and markets will remain closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Earlier in the week, an environmental and health emergency was declared for four days due to the current situation of Smog in Lahore, Gujranwala and Hafizabad divisions.
At this AQI level، The city maintained its position as one of the most polluted cities where citizens face a faded and smoky atmosphere throughout the day. The air quality was extremely poor, which made it almost impossible to breathe normally outside.