The governments of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have officially imposed complete lockdown during the Eid holidays from 8th May to 16th May amid swelling in coronavirus cases across Pakistan.
The provincial governments have decided to close all business activities and impose a complete travel ban. However, the essential services will be exempted from the restrictions.
Essential services included grocery stores, pharmacies, medical facilities, vaccination centres, vegetable and fruit shops, poultry and meat shops, filling pumps, food takeaways.
According to the report, the decision to impose a complete lockdown in Punjab was taken during a meeting chaired by the provincial health minister Dr Yasmin Rashid. During the session, the government decided that all activities will be banned in the province on the designated dates, meanwhile public transport will be suspended and all recreational spots will also remain closed.
The provincial government also said that checkpoints will be set up at all the entry and exit points of the city, where police, Rangers and army personnel will be deployed to monitor the situation. “In order to control the coronavirus situation in the province, the next 20 days are crucial,” Dr Rashid further said by adding that the government is employing efforts to curb the spread of the virus.
She also said that amid the extreme danger of third wave of the virus, people should celebrate Eid ul Fitr in a simple way. She added that people should follow the government’s instructed coronavirus standard operating procedure (SOPs) and prove themselves to be responsible citizens.
Federal Planning Minister Asad Umar took to twitter and explained the reasons why a lockdown was imposed in across Pakistan.
We realize that the mobility restrictions put into place from today till the 16th are going to cause inconvenience. These measures have been necessitated by the extremely dangerous situation which has been created in the region with the spread of virulent mutations of the virus
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) May 8, 2021
On the other hand, Sindh has allowed businesses to remain open in the province today.
