More Districts Ban Outdoor Activities Due to Severe Smog

The Punjab government has banned all outdoor activities in Multan, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad until November 17 due to severe smog conditions. These districts are among the hardest hit, following only Lahore in terms of smog impact.

According to a notice issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the Punjab government, “the average AQI in these districts has exceeded 500, a level critically hazardous to human health.”.

The notification highlighted that there has been a notable increase in patients suffering from respiratory ailments, allergies, irritations of the eyes and throat, and conjunctivitis in these significantly smog-affected locations, even though there have been major attempts to decrease air pollution.

The implementation of this policy is mandated by Section 6(1)(t) of the Punjab Environmental Protection Act 1997, which urges the prevention of pollution, restoration and improvement of the environment, as well as sustainability development.

Stores, marketplaces, and shopping centers are required to close at 8 p.m., and all outdoor events, including athletic competitions, art exhibits, festivals, and outdoor dining, are also canceled. But this rule doesn’t apply to religious gatherings or important religious events, like funerals and burials.

Essential Services Exempted from Outdoor Activity Ban

Pharmacies, medical centers, labs, vaccination centers, gas stations, oil depots, tandoors, grocery stores, bakeries, milk shops, and vegetable vendors are all permitted to stay open after 8 p.m. Large department shops may keep their grocery and pharmacy departments open as well.

The notification stated, “The Deputy Commissioner of the respective district may grant any other exemptions, if necessary.”

Violators will face penalties under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code when the outdoor activity restriction goes into force today (November 11) and lasts till November 17.

People in Lahore have been dealing with smog for weeks, especially as the weather cools down, and the polluted air has spread to other areas. On Monday, Lahore was ranked as the world’s most polluted major city. Meanwhile, Multan had the highest AQI in the country, reaching “hazardous” levels that could pose serious health risks with prolonged exposure.

Other areas in Punjab, including Bahawalpur and Rajanpur, are also experiencing heavy smog. In response, the Lahore government closed schools, restricted outdoor activities, and limited access to parks and open public spaces last week.