LAHORE: The Punjab government has taken bold action to combat rising air pollution levels by introducing a work-from-home policy for public and private offices in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Multan divisions.
This policy requires workplaces to operate at 50% in-person capacity, with the remaining employees working remotely to reduce commuting-related pollution and minimize exposure to hazardous smog.
Punjab’s Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb announced this decision during a press conference in Lahore, outlining the government’s comprehensive approach to mitigating health risks posed by the smog crisis.
By reducing daily travel and maintaining lower on-site employee numbers, congestion will be alleviated, and emission levels in heavily affected areas will be curbed.
To facilitate remote work, government departments have been instructed to utilize virtual platforms like Zoom for meetings and employee communication.
Minister Aurangzeb stressed that these temporary restrictions are crucial in addressing the severe health implications of persistent smog, exacerbated by cross-border winds carrying pollutants from neighboring regions.