KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has officially announced the temporary closure of bank branches for Friday, November 10, 2023.
This closure applies to Lahore Division, as well as specific districts in Punjab that have been significantly affected by smog.
The affected areas include Lahore Division, comprising Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, and Kasur districts, along with Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, and Narowal districts. The SBP's decision is in alignment with a notification issued by the Punjab government on November 8, 2023.
The Punjab government has declared an "environmental and health emergency" in Lahore and two other divisions from November 9 to 12, aimed at mitigating the impact of smog. As per the government's notification, various establishments such as markets, shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas, gyms, schools, and both public and private offices will remain closed for four days in Lahore, Gujranwala, and Hafizabad divisions. Additionally, there will be restricted movement of people to and from these areas using public and private transportation.
