Firms may resume operations from May 10

Punjab governor tells businessmen reviving activity is top priority

RAWALPINDI: Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar has assured that the businesses would be opened as soon as possible. It is expected that the lockdown will be eased from May 10 and businesses will be reopened under strict SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).

During his meeting with a delegation of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) on Monday, the governor highlighted that he had discussed the matter with Prime Minister Imran Khan and had sent recommendations regarding SOPs. “The government is aware of the plight of the business community,” he said, adding that reviving business activities was his top priority.

Furthermore, Sarwar remarked that a smart lockdown can only be successful when there is a complete implementation of SOPs otherwise it will cause more harm than good. “The government wanted to keep the wheels of the economy moving along with proper precautions to contain the spread of the virus,” he added.

Earlier, RCCI President Saboor Malik apprised the Punjab governor about the severe difficulties faced by the business community due to the lockdown. “It will be difficult to control the situation if the measures to open businesses are not taken immediately,” he cautioned.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 5^th, 2020.

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