The district administration of Lahore has recently revised the closure time for restaurants and bakeries during the holy month of Ramadan, under the deteriorating pollution condition in the city. Lahore, being one of the most polluted cities, was ordered by the Lahore High Court (LHC) to close shops and eateries early last year. The orders continued to be in effect until now, with some modifications issued in January and March.
The recent changes state that restaurants and other eating establishments can now operate from iftar until 6 am the following morning, while bakeries are allowed to work until 1 am from their opening time. However, hospitals, labs, gas stations, CNG stations, milk shops, tandoors, and puncture shops are exempt from the timing restrictions. Specialized medical stores and pharmacies, hospitals, and laboratories are also exempt from the restrictions.
It is important to note that these changes are temporary and will only be in effect during the holy month of Ramadan. After Ramadan is over, the previous schedules will return. Any company found to be violating these directives will be dealt with according to the LHC’s instructions.
The district commissioner of Lahore, Rafia Haider, issued a notification specifying the revised timings and exempted businesses. The new guidelines aim to ensure that people can enjoy the holy month of Ramadan while adhering to the restrictions in place to mitigate the impact of pollution on the city’s residents.
The new measures are essential to reduce the impact of pollution on Lahore’s residents, especially during a time when air quality is already a concern. It is hoped that by adhering to these guidelines, people can still enjoy the traditional Ramadan meals without endangering their health.
In conclusion, the revised closure timings for restaurants and bakeries during Ramadan is a welcome move by the district administration of Lahore. The exemptions for medical stores, hospitals, and laboratories are also crucial to ensure uninterrupted access to essential services. It is the responsibility of all businesses and residents to follow these guidelines to reduce the impact of pollution on the city’s residents.
