The Punjab government has closed recreational spots including parks, museums and sports venues in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Multan divisions to mitigate the severity of smog.

The ban is effective from today to seventeenth of this month and violations can result in arrests and fines under the environmental laws.

Besides, all freight vehicles are required to be covered with tarpaulin and strict enforcement of this directive is in place.

Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has appealed to the public, especially parents to stay indoors and keep children at home and use masks while going outdoors.