Pakistan’s most populated province, Punjab, will observe a complete lockdown from May 8 to 16 to stem unruly spread of coronavirus. Today is the last day of shopping in the province as restrictions will come into effect from tomorrow.
A notification in this regard has already been issued by the provincial government.
Ahead of the prolonged lockdown, News360 correspondent visited different markets of Lahore, the provincial capital and one of the hardest-hit cities, on Thursday.
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Despite spiking covid-19 positivity rate, the locals of Lahore were found a step ahead in flouting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as it seemed that the pathogen hasn’t been able to intimidate them.
The markets and hotels operated in full swing throughout the night and particularly, the eateries were thronged by foodies during suhur hours.
Hardly a few people could be seen wearing a face mask and social distancing is something which they seemed unaware of.
While talking to News360, the citizens of Lahore backed the government on imposition of lockdown amid the third wave of covid-19.
They said that if the measure was not taken, Pakistan’s condition could spoil like the rest of the countries in the world.
However, some still believe the contagion is a ‘conspiracy’ and they were adamant that wearing a face mask would not help.
Punjab to pack up
Punjab province will observe a complete lockdown from May 8 to 16 to restrict the movement of people during Eid holidays in a bid to contain covid-19.
- All markets, businesses, offices, and shops will remain closed.
- There will be a ban on setting up henna, bangles, and other stalls on Chand Raat which are considered an integral part of the festive.
- The indoor and outdoor dining in the restaurants will also remain suspended and only takeaway service will be allowed.
- The shrines across the province will also remain shut during the span.
- The public transport and tourist spots in Punjab will remain close while there will be a ban on every kind of sports, cultural and other sorts of mass gathering.
- The pharmacies, medical and medical facilities, vaccination centers, fuel stations, utility services, media outlets, bakeries, grocery stores, dairy, vegetable and fruit shops, tandoors, chicken, and meat shops will remain open during the lockdown.
- The railway service will run with 70% of the total capacity while inter-provincial transport will not ply on the roads during the holidays.
- Rickshaws, taxis, and private vehicles will be allowed to run with 50% capacity.
- The intercity transport will operate at 50% capacity only on weekends.
- Checkpoints will be set up at the entry and exit points of the cities where police, rangers, and army personnel will be deployed.
- All public transport and tourist destinations will remain closed to limit the movement of people.
CM urges cooperation
Moreover, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Bazdar said that the decision was taken to protect human lives. He urged the citizens to follow SOPs.
“We will take all necessary steps to stop the spread of coronavirus,” he vowed.
Meanwhile, Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid warned that the next 15 to 20 days were crucial amid the third wave of coronavirus.
Business community opposes restrictions
Further, the business community of Lahore has opposed a complete lockdown.
In a statement, Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Mian Tariq Misbah expressed concern over the prolonged closure of business activities and said that lockdown should have been imposed in specific areas instead of the whole city.
“This decision will only increase pressure on the business sector,” he added.
Misbah contended that Eid was an earning season but the government destroyed everything by putting restrictions. He also decried the government did not take the business community in confidence before taking the decision.