Islamabad: Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Thursday announced the phase-wise easing of the ongoing, countrywide lockdown from May 9 onward; along with a resumption of operations of various industries linked to the construction sector as well as shopping centres (for five days a week from sunrise to 5 pm), according to news sources.
These developments were announced by the premiere following the National Coordination Committee (NCC) meeting, which was attended by both the federal and provincial representatives. The meeting decided to suspend the reopening of public transport, railways and domestic flight operations until a mutual consensus is reached.
During the press conference, Minister for Industries Hammad Azhar listed the businesses, industries, and shops to be reopened, including both manufacturing units and shops of paint, aluminium, steel, sanitary wares, ceramics, tiles, pipe factories, electronic cables, and hardware shops. He said that all small markets in the residential schemes shall also remain operational – five days a week.
Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar said that no shops will be allowed to remain open after the 5 pm deadline, except for medical stores. He said that the two-day break is in place to allow the security personnel (rangers/police) to rest. The outpatient departments (OPDs) in hospitals shall also be resumed to enable treatments of patients suffering from other diseases.
PM Khan said that this ease of lockdown is being announced to facilitate the country’s working class that is facing financial constraints. Furthermore, he urged people to follow preventive measures to avoid the contagion.
Hazafa reveres the art of writing and has been turned into a property enthusiast by profession. Her daily survival kit includes; tea, coffee, keyboard and paperbacks.
