Pakistan continues to observe partial lockdown to counter coronavirus

Pakistan continues to observe partial lockdown to counter coronavirus

KARACHI (Dunya News) – The lockdown to counter the coronavirus pandemic in Sindh has Wednesday been tightened further on day three as shops are allowed to remain open from 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM only, Dunya News reported.

Medical stores have been given exemption from the new restriction while shopping plazas and big markets in Karachi are closed as the Rangers have been deployed in the metropolis. Shopping malls, recreational places, private and government offices remain closed in Punjab. Only grocery stores, vegetable markets and milk shops are open in the province amidst deployment of heavy contingents of the police and Pakistan Army.

Partial lockdown in the federal capital is being observed as well as all markets, restaurants and transport are shut down. It has further been decided to keep the metro bus service functional from 08:00 AM to 10:30 AM and from 03:00 PM to 05:30 PM.

It is pertinent here to mention that the implementation of lockdown in Punjab started at 09:00 AM yesterday.

Inter and intra city movement has been halted whereas social, religious and other gatherings are banned. All small and big markets are closed along with public transport and metro bus service.

Pillion riding has been banned. The lockdown will continue till April 7, 09:00 AM.

According to the Punjab Home Department notification, security agencies, health department employees and journalists have been given exemption from the lockdown.

Call centers are allowed to work with fifty percent workers and without any public dealing. Only those government employees are permitted to go outside who possess valid permits.

One person from a family is allowed to visit the market to buy essentials and two persons to buy medicine and grocery. Two individuals are allowed to remain with patient in case of emergency while two persons including a driver are permitted to move outside with disabled people.

People are allowed to perform religious rituals such as funeral prayers and burial of the deceased. Welfare organizations like Edhi, Saylani and those who provide free meals remain functional.

Banks have been allowed to operate with limited staff, however, their timings have been reduced from 10:00 AM to 04:30 PM. If any bank employee is tested positive for coronavirus, the branch will be shut down but ATM and online services will not be halted. All bank employees are directed to keep their CNIC and employment card with them.

Balochistan will remain under lockdown till April 7 and the provincial government has barred unnecessary movement.

Markets and public transport in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also shut as people have been directed by the government to isolate themselves at homes.

Pakistan Army has been deployed across the country after the lockdown. The interior ministry said in its notification that the civil administration had requested for the army’s help.

Contingents of Pakistan Army are performing duties in Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.