On Friday, November 10, 2023, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) announced the closure of bank branches in numerous areas of Punjab, including the entire Lahore Division, due to extreme pollution conditions.
SBP Announces Bank Closures in Punjab: The SBP’s directive impacts Banks and Micro Finance Banks (MFBs) in the districts of Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, and Narowal.
The Punjab government has declared a “environmental and health emergency” for Lahore and the adjacent divisions from November 9 to November 12 in response to the environmental disaster.
Markets, retail centres, eateries, movie theatres, fitness centres, schools, and businesses must close as part of the emergency protocols. Restrictions on mobility inside the impacted areas will be imposed along with reduced public and private transportation.
Implementing Section 144 in Order to Fight Smog
To address the deteriorating air quality, the Punjab government has imposed Section 144 and declared health emergencies in the Lahore division. This entails closing all schools, public and commercial offices, theatres, parks, and dining establishments in the impacted areas. On the other hand, necessary services including bakeries, pharmacies, marriage halls, public transportation, and construction will keep running. Health authorities encourage the general population, especially young people and the elderly, to wear masks for protection against smog.
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