Islamabad, Nov 13: Punjab Imposes Ban on Wedding Events from October to December Amid Rising Smog Concerns. The government of Punjab has announced an extensive anti-smog strategy presented to the Lahore High Court, which includes new restrictions aimed at reducing pollution during peak smog months. Starting next year, weddings will be prohibited from October to December.
This initiative aims to address pollution by minimizing activities that greatly add to traffic and energy usage throughout the smog season. The Advocate General of Punjab informed the court about the initiative, emphasizing that, for the first time, a specific budget has been allocated for smog reduction efforts.
The court expressed its support for these measures, stating, “This administration has implemented more effective actions than previous administrations.” The policy also features the distribution of super seeders to farmers to discourage crop burning, a major contributor to smog.
The court proposed additional actions, such as limiting weddings to one-dish menus and decreasing the total number of wedding events. It also referenced global practices where businesses close by 5 PM to reduce emissions, contrasting this with the later operational hours in Pakistan.
As Lahore struggles with alarming pollution levels, with the city’s air quality index (AQI) reaching hazardous statuses, the government is urged to think about a sustainable long-term approach for smog control. With PM2.5 pollutants presenting significant health hazards, residents are advised to limit time spent outdoors and to employ protective measures like masks and air purifiers.
