Punjab enforces smart lockdown
our correspondent
LAHORE
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.
Punjab traders reject lockdown, demand businesses resumption
Traders of Punjab on Tuesday rejected the call of lockdown in the province ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
Addressing a press conference here at Anarkali Market, All Pakistan Traders Association (APTA) said that closure of business till Eid-ul-Azha will result in huge loss to them. Secretary General of the APTA, Naeem Mir said that traders are implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) designed to curb spread of the COVID-19 and appealed the government to allow them to resume business activities till Eid.
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 Bazaar, Makki Market and Gol Bazaar.
Meanwhile, Punjab Law Minister Raja Basharat on Tuesday directed to ensure strict implementation of lockdown across Punjab.
Raja Basharat visited various areas of Lahore including Liberty Market, Barkat Market, Jail Road and Gulberg to review the lockdown position. Speaking on the occasion, the minister said that relaxation in lockdown before Eid-ul-Azha will bring negative results like Eid-ul-Fitr. Business community should extend its support to the government and implement lockdown. Raja Basharat said that lockdown has been enforced by the government to ensure safety of the masses as coronavirus is still a threat. It may be noted that shopkeepers in Rawalpindi, Sargodha and other areas refused to obey the lockdown orders and opened their businesses.
The provincial government of Punjab on Monday last announced that all business and commercial centres in the province will remain closed till August 5.
According to a notification by the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department, “All educational and training institutes, marriage halls, business centres, expo halls, restaurants (except takeaway and home delivery), theme/amusement parks, public parks, play areas and arcades, beauty parlours and spas, cinemas, theatres shall remain closed.” The notification added there would be a complete ban on sporting tournaments/ matches (indoor and outdoor) except non-contact professional sports without spectators.
