Officials believe weekend closure, limited movement help reduce toxic pollution levels
LAHORE – Pakistan's largest region Punjab has imposed smart lockdown in the hope that the closure of commercial activities and limited movement will help reduce toxic levels of smog.
Lahore continues to top the charts of the most polluted cities amid wave of thick, toxic fog that enveloped the region, causing thousands of people to develop pulmonary illnesses.
To cut the alarming levels of air pollution, the government has enforced smart lockdowns in ten districts as the Air Quality Index once again crossed 400. Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad and Mandi Bahauddin are facing smart lockdowns.
Earlier, PDMA said all movement and economic activities will be limited in the 10 districts. Schools and Universities will also remain closed. Markets, gyms, and cinemas will be allowed to open after 3 pm.
Pakistan's north eastern region is facing pollution as long queues of passenger vehicles continue to block arteries in the cities.
People who suffer from respiratory disorders must take special precautions to keep themselves safe as the air quality index in Lahore and its adjoining areas is too high which is considered a health hazard.
Air Quality Index between 0-50 is considered good which poses little or no health risk, below 100 is said to be ‘moderate’. AQI above 100 is termed unhealthy in which the general public and sensitive people, in particular, are at risk of experiencing irritation and pulmonary issues.
Pakistani rupee remains largely stable against the US dollar, and other currencies in the open market on Saturday.
On Saturday, the US dollar was being quoted at 283.4 for buying and 285.95 for selling.
Euro comes down to 307 for buying and 310 for selling. British Pound rate remains unchanged at 358.5 for buying, and 362 for selling.
UAE Dirham AED witnessed slight drop and new rate stands at 77.2 whereas the Saudi Riyal remained stable at 76.
Source: Forex Association of Pakistan. (last update 09:00 AM)
Currency | Symbol | Buying | Selling |
---|---|---|---|
US Dollar | USD | 283.4 | 285.95 |
Euro | EUR | 307 | 307 |
UK Pound Sterling | GBP | 358.5 | 362 |
U.A.E Dirham | AED | 77.2 | 78 |
Saudi Riyal | SAR | 76 | 76.8 |
Australian Dollar | AUD | 187.2 | 189 |
Bahrain Dinar | BHD | 755.82 | 763.82 |
Canadian Dollar | CAD | 209 | 211 |
China Yuan | CNY | 39.82 | 40.22 |
Danish Krone | DKK | 41.14 | 41.54 |
Hong Kong Dollar | HKD | 36.37 | 36.72 |
Japanese Yen | JPY | 3.41 | 3.52 |
Kuwaiti Dinar | KWD | 922.14 | 931.14 |
Malaysian Ringgit | MYR | 60.82 | 61.42 |
New Zealand Dollar | NZD | 175.33 | 177.33 |
Norwegians Krone | NOK | 26.12 | 26.42 |
Omani Riyal | OMR | 738.71 | 746.71 |
Qatari Riyal | QAR | 78.07 | 78.77 |
Singapore Dollar | SGD | 211 | 213 |
Swedish Korona | SEK | 27.32 | 27.62 |
Swiss Franc | CHF | 324.5 | 327 |
Thai Bhat | THB | 8.08 | 8.23 |
Gold prices witnessed negative trend in local markets in line with the trend in the international market.
On Saturday, the price of a single tola of 24-karat gold stands at Rs217,600, and 10 grams of 24k gold costs Rs186,560.
Single tola of 22 Karat Gold price costs Rs199,465, 21 karat rate per tola costs Rs190, 400 and 18k gold rate is Rs163,200.00 for each tola.
In the global market, gold prices hovers around $2,004 per ounce, after drop of $23.35 on Saturday.
City | Gold | Silver |
---|---|---|
Lahore | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Karachi | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Islamabad | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Peshawar | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Quetta | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Sialkot | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Attock | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Gujranwala | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Jehlum | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Multan | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Bahawalpur | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Gujrat | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Nawabshah | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Chakwal | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Hyderabad | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Nowshehra | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Sargodha | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Faisalabad | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
Mirpur | PKR 217,600 | PKR 2,530 |
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