Mask Mandate in Pakistan’s Punjab Due to Smog  

In Pakistan, Punjab’s government says smog is so bad in 10 of the province’s districts that wearing a mask is now mandatory in those areas whenever stepping outside.


Health Secretary Ali Jan Khan wrote in a public order: “smog poses a serious and imminent threat to public health in all age groups.”


The districts affected by the mandate are: Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Narowal, Hafizabad, Sialkot and Mandi Bahauddin.


The mandate is in effect from November 20 to 26.


National Geographic defines smog as “air pollution that reduces visibility.”