close
Thursday March 28, 2024

Authorities seal shopping areas in Karachi after COVID-19 SOPs violated

Zainab Market, Madina City Mall, Victoria Market, International Market, Gul Plaza and Arham Shopping Centre were shut down

By Web Desk
May 13, 2020
People crowding major markets in Karachi on May 13, 2020. — Geo News/Screengrab via The News

KARACHI: The metropolis' police sealed major markets, including Zainab Market, on Wednesday after the SOPs  announced by the government to stem the spread of COVID-19 were violated.

After the government announced an ease in restrictions beginning May 9, all major retail outlets and markets had rushed to open stores on Monday.

The past two days have witnessed a flurry of shoppers throwing caution to the wind and rushing to acquire much sought-after goods with Eid fast approaching.

Neither shopkeepers nor customers were seen taking necessary precautions such as wearing masks and using sanitisers frequently. Today, in view of these violations, the city's police sealed all major markets, much to the chagrin of shopkeepers who had been looking forward to selling their wares after a two month hiatus.

A raid by district administration authorities was conducted in the city's Saddar area, after which Zainab Market and Madina City Mall were shut down.

Besides Zainab Market, Victoria Market, International Market, Gul Plaza and Arham Shopping Centre were also sealed off.

According to Assistant Commissioner Asma Batool, the shopkeepers were neither wearing masks or gloves, nor using sanitisers.

The traders protested heavily against the shutting down of shops and raised slogans against the district administration.

Videos that have gone viral on social media clearly show no social distancing protocol being practiced, even during the protest.

Following the closure of markets, All Karachi Tajir Ittehad Chairman Atiq Mir in a conversation with Geo News, said the traders were responsible for following the SOPs set by the government.

“We had promised the authorities that the guidelines will be implemented but it did not happen. They are to be blamed themselves.”