The caretaker Punjab government has decided to shut down all markets in six divisions in the province as the interim setup fights smog, which has been declared as a calamity.

According to a notification issued on Saturday, the decision would apply in Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan, Sargodha, Faisalabad, and Sahiwal.

It said that there shall be “restricted movement” in the above mentioned divisions.

“All public and private schools, colleges, universities, educational institutions, markets, shops, restaurants, shall remain closed on Sunday,” it said and advised all citizens to wear face masks during all kinds of outdoor movement/activities.

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Moreover, medical facilities, fuel stations, bakeries, petrol pumps, grocery stores, internet, call centers, international IT centres, already scheduled exams/assessment tests, public offices rendering essential services would be exempted from the order.

On Friday, the Lahore Court High ordered the closure of all cafes in Johar Town by 10pm, except on weekends when cafes were allowed to remain open by 11pm, with a warning to seal them in case of violation.

Justice Shahid Karim passed the orders while hearing petitions filed by Haroon Farooq and others against “ineffective measures” to control smog.