Pakistan orders Monday closure of schools and offices in Lahore to cut smog

Officials hope three-day weekend will help reduce toxic pollution levels in country’s second largest city

Pakistan has ordered private offices and schools to remain closed on Mondays in Lahore in the hope that a three-day weekend will help reduce toxic levels of smog in the country’s second-largest city.

The directive, issued by Punjab relief commissioner Babar Hayat Tarar, aimed to act “as a preventive and speedy remedy” during the winter smog season and will last until 15 January.