Sindh govt writes to NCOC for blocking SIM cards of unvaccinated citizens

KARACHI: The Sindh government, taking serious notice of people who have refused Covid vaccines, has written a letter to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) to block SIMs of unvaccinated mobile phone users.

The letter, which is addressed to the national coordinator of the NCOC, Government of Pakistan, reads, “I am directed to refer to the subject noted above and to the decision of the Provincial Corona Task Force meeting held under the chairmanship of the chief minister Sindh dated July 23, 2021 regarding the blockage of mobile SIMS in a phased manner of those people who did not turn up for vaccination despite all efforts made by the Sindh government through print, electronic and social media as well as despite all possible measures taken by the district administration across the province.”

It was decided that the phase-wise measures might be taken for a successful vaccination drive to stop the transmission of Covid-I9: Phase-I a warning message for the blockage of SIMs; Phase-II, blockage of social media (Facebook and WhatsApp accounts etc.), Phase-III blockage of outgoing calls, and Phase-IV is complete SIM blockage until vaccinated.

“It is therefore requested that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority be directed to take necessary measures accordingly for a successful vaccination drive to break the transmission chain of Covid-19.” Another notification issued by the home department, on the directives of the government, reads,

“In continuation of the home department’s order of even number dated July-23, 2021, the government of Sindh is further pleased to order that all the public and private sector universities within the territorial jurisdiction of the province of Sindh shall remain closed until 31st July, 2021.

This order shall take effect immediately.” Copies of the orders and notifications have been moved to the relevant government departments.