KARACHI: The Sindh government on Wednesday dismissed reports that claimed the province was ending the province-wide lockdown tomorrow (Thursday) as the COVID-19 tally in the province soared to 5,695.
Information Minister Nasir Hussain Shah said: "No decision has been taken to end the lockdown although, a meeting was held in this regard."
Shah said the government wished to grant relaxation to business activities on the SOPs. "We will inform the public when a decision has been finalised," he said.
The information minister said that Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah had imposed the restrictions keeping in mind the best interests of the people.
"Businesses will be allowed to resume in accordance with the SOPs. For now, we have permitted them to resume activities via online services," he added.
The Sindh government, last week, had issued Ramadan guidelines for businesses operating in the province, making some allowances to help them resume partial activities.
A meeting with Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had been held to review lockdown timings and finalise SOPs for businesses during the holy month.
As per the agreement, traders were allowed to open shops from Monday to Thursday from 9-3pm, but for e-commerce and home delivery services only.
It was also decided that grocery shops will continue to follow the lockdown timings, i.e. 8am-5pm. However, dairy milk shops were given permission to operate from 8am-8pm.
“There will be complete lockdown after 5pm,” CM Murad Ali Shah had said, adding “home delivery of cooked food is allowed from 5-10pm.”
Furthermore, the sale of "samosa, pakora, jalaibi, fruit-chat, and such traditional iftar items" which attract large crowds cannot be sold in markets. However, these items may be delivered through home delivery services, for which SOPs have already been issued.
"Any person found violating [the mentioned] instructions shall be liable for action in accordance with law as per section 4 of Sindh Epidemic Disease Control Act 2014," the statement issued after the meeting had stated.
"Five arrested on MNA Asif's report, which alleges Awan of attacking his guest house," say police
President reiterates commitment to do whatever's possible for province's development
Police say "terrorists" received millions as funding in exchange of info, pictures gathered during recce
Reserved seats cannot be allocated to SIC and other parties would retain their seats, claims PML-N leader
It will be first visit of Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to Pakistan in five years
NCCIA established at a time when digital rights and privacy remain key issues, says PPP leader