Discrimination? Askari IV decides to ban entry of domestic help over virus fears

Circular says entry of maids, male servants, drivers, gardeners, teachers and workers to be banned till April 5

An upscale residential neighbourhood in Karachi has decided to ban the entry of domestic help – including maids, gardeners, male servants, and drivers – in view of the spread of the novel coronavirus in the country, particularly in the metropolitan city of Sindh.

“Due to [the] outbreak of coronavirus epidemic in Karachi and in accordance with the Government of Sindh order, it has been decided that the entry of maids, male servants, drivers, mali (gardener), teachers and workers etc in Askari IV to be banned forthwith till 05 April 2020,” reads a “circular” issued by the administration of Askari IV, located at Rashid Minhas Road, in Karachi.

It has also requested all residents to “educate their wards to avoid night gatherings in the parks for [the] above mentioned period”.

In the circular, the administration has sought “input of on urgent basis” on the steps to be taken to safeguard against the coronavirus epidemic.