Smart Lockdown in Punjab due to Smog November 2023
ORDER NO.SO(G)/P&SHD/4-1/2023
WHEREAS, the spread of Conjunctivitis / Pink Eye due to bacterial or viral infection, smoke, dust or chemical exposure is increasing day by day, which poses a serious and imminent threat to public health. Hence, it is mandatory to take all possible safety measures for prevention and control of this disease in the Province of Punjab.
AND WHEREAS, in my opinion there are sufficient grounds to proceed under Section 4(c), 5(1)(e) and 5(1)(f) of the Punjab Infectious Diseases (Prevention and Control) Act, 2020″, as an immediate preventive and speedy remedy and the directions hereinafter appearing are necessary to ensure public health and conserve lives in the Province of Punjab.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Ali Jan Khan, Secretary, Primary & Secondary Healthcare Department, Government of the Punjab, after approval from the Chief Minister and in exercise of powers conferred under Section 4(c), 5(1)(e) and 5(1)(f) of the Punjab Infectious Diseases (Prevention and Control) Act, 2020, do hereby order that there shall be “restricted movement” in the areas of Lahore Division (District Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur), District Gujranwala, District Hafizabad, and District Narowal, having highest Air Quality Index (AQI) and potential hotspots for Conjunctivitis due to SMOG.
Further, the following shall also be observed during Thursday to Sunday i.e.. November 9, 2023 to November 12, 2023:
| S.No. | Activity | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | All markets, shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas, gymnasiums, schools (public and private), and offices (public and private) | Closed |
| 2 | Movement of people to and from the affected areas by public and private transport | Limited |
| 3 | Exemptions from the above order | |
| Pharmacies/ Medical Stores, Medical Facilities and Vaccination Centers | Open | |
| Petrol Pumps, Oil Depots | Open | |
| Tandoors, Bakeries, Grocery / Karyana stores, Milk / Dairy Shops, Sweet Shops, Vegetable / Fruit Shops, Chicken / Meat Shops, E-commerce / Postal/Courier Services and Utility Services (Electricity, Natural Gas, Internet, Cellular Networks / Telecom) | Open | |
| Large departmental stores | Grocery / Pharmacy sections open, all other sections closed | |
| Officials of Government departments on duty duly notified by respective departments | Open | |
| Judges, Lawyers and Court staff | Open | |
| Personnel related to Health Services including Hospitals, Clinics, Laboratories collection points and Medical stores | Open | |
| Personnel related to Law Enforcement Agencies | Open | |
| Personnel related to Essential Services / Offices going to perform their duties or providing essential services | Open | |
| Persons in need of medical care with two attendants where necessary | Open | |
| Persons going to buy grocery and medicines within the vicinity of their residence | Open | |
| Necessary / unavoidable religious rites like the last rites, Namaz-e-Janaza, burial and related events | Open | |
| Utility Companies: WASAS, Municipalities, WAPDA, NTDC, DISCOS and SNGPL | Open | |
| Takeaway / Home delivery from restaurants | Open | |
| Any exemption that may be deemed necessary by the Commissioner of the concerned division | Open |
This order shall be given wide publicity in official Gazette, Daily Newspapers and broadcasting through Radio Pakistan, Pakistan Television and other TV Channels.