Punjab Police arrests traders attempting to reopen shops during lockdown
Punjab government has imposed smart lockdown in the province to limit the spread of coronavirus
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Punjab Police on Tuesday arrested several traders in different cities of Punjab who rejected government’s move to impose smart lockdown till August 5 to check the spread of novel coronavirus and attempted to open shops.
According to details, traders in major cities of Punjab including Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi and Jhang protested against the smart lockdown and vowed to open their shops. Faisalabad traders opened shops in surrounding areas of Clock Tower, Rail Bazar, Makki Market and Gol Bazar. On the other hand, police arrested several traders for violating government orders.
Traders in Lahore’s Azam Market also protested against the lockdown which resulted in heated exchange of words between businessmen and police officials. However, local administration urged traders to immediately close their shops.
Meanwhile Rawalpindi’s Central Traders Association and Chamber of Commerce while announcing to open businesses, argued that out of all four provinces only government of Punjab has imposed lockdown ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
Earlier, Punjab government has imposed smart lockdown in the province, including Lahore to limit the spread of coronavirus during Eidul Azha holidays.
According to a notification issued in this regard, all markets, shopping malls, business and commercial centres will remain closed till August 5. However, essential food items shops, medical stores, general stores, tandoors, petrol pumps, bakeries, vegetable shops and emergency service shops will remain open across the province.
The notification further stated that all educational and training institutes, marriage halls, business centres, expo halls, restaurants (except takeaway and home delivery), theme parks, public parks, beauty parlors, cinemas and theatres will remain shut.
