Minister urges traders to follow guidelines

Says ‘smart lockdown’ introduced to address financial issues of traders

QUETTA: Balochistan Minister for Revenue Salim Ahmed Khosa urged traders to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) directed by the authorities in the wake of ‘smart lockdown’ across the province.

“The provincial government has announced ease in lockdown after considering financial issues of traders and consumers across the province. Under the directives, shopkeepers and traders are bound to implement and follow SOPs of precautionary measures otherwise legal action will be taken against violators,” said Khosa while talking to a delegation of traders on Sunday.

The provincial lawmaker noted the chief minister approved loosening of the lockdown labelling it ‘smart lockdown’ under which strict restriction were enforced only in virus hotspots while markets would be allowed to perform business activities from 3 am to 5 pm.

Khosa maintained the success of smart lockdown depended on the implementation of SOPs across the province otherwise it would cause more harm to the lives of people.

Keeping in view the lockdown-induced financial crisis across the province due to coronavirus, the provincial minister said Balochistan government wanted to keep the economy’s wheel turning with precautionary measures.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 12^th, 2020.