Commissioner issues directives for lockdown restrictions

After a complete ban on unnecessary movement under a lockdown notified by the Sindh Home Department, the Karachi commissioner issued directives in an administrative order.

According to the directives, all retailers are allowed to sell essential commodities such as flour, rice, sugar, meat, poultry, fruits, vegetables and other grocery items; at governmental notified rates.

“Any violation shall be strictly dealt with under the provision of the Sindh Essential Commodities Price Control and Prevention Profiteering and Hoarding act, 2005. Only one person of household will be allowed outside for buying food items and medicines after 48 hours by displaying original CNIC to law enforcement agencies.

“Only one attendant, where extremely necessary, will be allowed with person in need of medical care. People of Karachi are advised to strictly observe social distancing. No family or private get-together will be allowed in private homes or farmhouses.

“All public transport such as buses, taxis, rickshaws, Uber, Careem, Swvl, Airlift, are banned to ply on the roads. Petrol pumps will not fill more than 10-litre petrol in private vehicles. All customer care centres, franchises of cellular companies will remain closed. Top-up facilities will be made available at grocery stores.

“Security guards of banks and private security of the diplomatic coprs are required to be in proper uniforms and will at all times carry their company issued IDs and CNIC. Administrative offices of Karachi Division; commissioner, deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners and mukhtiarkars will remain open round the clock.

“Exemptions given for home delivery, takeaway of food items from restaurants and for those eateries operative in hotels and social clubs have been cancelled with immediate effect. The kitchens of all restaurants and fast food chains are also required to remain closed.

“All deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners of Karachi division have been empowered by the Home Department under section 3(1) and 3(3) of the Sindh Epidemic Diseases Act 2014 (Sindh Act VIII of 2015), to take cognizance of any violation under section 188 of Pakistan Penal Code.”