Islamabad, Nov 7: Employees in the Punjab provincial capital Lahore and other divisions including Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Multan can also work from home as per a new policy of the provincial government.
Due to persistent high pollution levels, the policy mandates a limit of 50 percent attendance at the workplace, with the remainder required to work from home.
The goal is to minimize air pollution brought by commuting and avoid having the people breathe in toxic air.
But Maryam Aurangzeb Senior Minister speaking at press conference in Lahore noted that fewer workers would come to the offices and therefore a decrease in daily traffic in critically polluted zones.
Government departments have also been instructed to hold meetings using virtual platforms like Zoom.
Aurangzeb highlighted the upcoming health crisis caused by ongoing smog as the rationale behind the limitations.
She added that the winds bring pollutants from other areas aggravating the situation hence to promote health and quality air then everybody has to observe the new directives.
Cross-Border Collaboration for Smog Control
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has called for “smog diplomacy” with India, emphasizing the need for a coordinated effort on both sides of the Punjab border.
“Smog is not a political issue but a humanitarian one,” she remarked, suggesting a letter to her counterpart in Indian Punjab.
“Air doesn’t recognize borders; we must work together to combat this crisis effectively.”
