Punjab government has allowed restaurants in Lahore and Multan to deliver food after 8 pm in a bid to ease restrictions.

A new notification confirms that all restaurants, including hotels and fast food outlets, will be permitted to provide delivery services beyond the 8 pm curfew.

However, dine-in services will remain limited to a cut-off time of 4 pm, with takeaway orders allowed until 8 pm. The decision aims to balance public health measures with the continued operation of food businesses in the region.

The relaxation is expected to provide much-needed relief to the food industry while maintaining efforts to curb smog and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Lahore District Administration Cracks Down on Smog Violations

LAHORE: The Lahore district administration has ramped up efforts to combat smog by taking strict action against businesses and vehicles contributing to air pollution.

In a series of enforcement measures, 50 shops were sealed for violating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and 34 restaurants were closed for breaching working hours. Additionally, 32 smoke-emitting vehicles were stopped, and 109 vehicles were issued challans. The crackdown resulted in fines totaling over Rs. 500,000 for vehicles emitting harmful pollutants.

Shopkeepers and restaurant owners were also penalized, with fines of Rs. 120,000 imposed for failing to comply with anti-smog regulations.

The district administration's actions affected several areas across Lahore, including:

3 shops, 8 restaurants, 25 barbecue shops, and 2 bakeries sealed in Tehsil City
12 shops, 15 restaurants, and 2 bakeries sealed in Tehsil Sadr
4 shops and 1 restaurant sealed in Tehsil Raiwand
5 shops and 1 restaurant sealed in Tehsil Shalimar
6 shops and 4 restaurants sealed in Tehsil Wagah
10 shops and 5 restaurants sealed in Tehsil Nishtar and Tehsil Allama Iqbal

Secretary RTA confirmed that heavy traffic entry into Lahore has been restricted by blocking key city entrances to reduce air pollution. The district administration remains committed to enforcing environmental laws and reducing smog in the region.