The policy will come into effect from today. The government of Punjab issued notification under the plan to mitigate the hazardous impacts of smog on citizens’ health.

Markets in four districts, Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Multan will be closed at 8 PM the notification said, adding that the government’s order will stay in force until November 17 in the four districts.

According to the notification, government banned all the outdoor activities for the same duration, including sports, and exhibitions. The provincial government also banned dining in restaurants after 8 PM in the four districts.

The notification said that any violations of the directive will be dealt with under the Punjab Environmental Protection Act 1997.

However, the medical stores, laboratories, petrol pumps and grocery stores will be exempted from this order. For major department stores, only the grocery and medical sections will be allowed to remain open, the notification stated.

Deputy Commissioner of Lahore urged denizens to adopt precautionary measures and avoid unnecessary travel. He appealed citizens to use public transport instead of their private vehicles.