LAHORE: The Punjab government on Saturday imposed a smart lockdown in 10 smog-hit districts of the province including Lahore for one day (today).

All public and private schools, colleges, universities, and educational institutions remained closed. Markets, shops, gyms, cinemas and offices were orders to open after 3:00 PM. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a notification for implementation of smart lockdown.

According to the notification, there will be a lockdown on Saturday in 10 districts including Lahore, Nankana Sahab, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad and Mandi Bahauddin.

The School Education Department on Thursday had issued a notification of closure of schools on Saturday (today) as smog situation worsened in the Punjab province. According to the notification, schools in 10 districts of the province will remain closed on Saturday (Nov 18). All public and private schools in Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad and Mandi Bahauddin district will remain closed, said the notification.

Meanwhile, Lahore on Friday once again remained the most polluted city of the world. The overall air quality index of the city was recorded at 343. The district administration has instructed the citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and ensure the use of masks while leaving home.