LAHORE: Following improvement in smog conditions, the Punjab Environment Department has eased its restrictions, allowing restaurants and hotels to operate until 10pm, compared to the previous closure of 4pm. This change comes after rainfall and favorable shifts in wind patterns, which have led to improved air quality. Home delivery services remain unchanged.
Despite the easing of restrictions, the restaurant industry still faces challenges. The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called for an extension of working hours, arguing that previous restrictions led to huge financial losses and increased waste. They also questioned claims that restaurants are major contributors to pollution, as data shows vehicular traffic is the main cause of smog.
The revised guidelines also saw the reopening of schools in Rawalpindi district, where smog levels had fallen enough for schools to resume operations, after the closure from November 17 to 25.
According to a notification issued by the Punjab government, schools in Rawalpindi district will reopen tomorrow as air pollution in the district has decreased after smog subsided, and schools in Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Attock and Chakwal will reopen from tomorrow.
Schools in Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Attock and Chakwal will be reopened from tomorrow, the notification said.
However, Lahore remains one of the most polluted cities in the world, with an air quality index (AQI) of over 400, posing severe health risks.