Supreme Court decision vindicates PM Imran’s stance, says govt

Trains operation will be resumed from May 20 amid strict SOPs, says Shibli Faraz

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has hailed the Supreme Court’s Monday order to reopen shopping malls and said the verdict has vindicated Prime Minister Imran Khan's stance of simultaneously fighting the pandemic and saving the vulnerable segments of society from hunger and starvation.

“[After order of the court] the Pakistan Railways, industries and small businesses, including shopping malls, have been allowed to resume their activities amid strict adherence to the standard operating procedures (SOPs),” said Minister for Information Shibli Faraz while addressing a press conference.

He said the train operation will resume from May 20, with Railway Divisional Headquarters having the responsibility to implement the SOPs with regard to travelling. “The government is maintaining a balance between economic activities and preventive measures against the coronavirus,” he added.

He said the industrial sector has also been allowed to operate for facilitation of the business class. However, the industrialists would have to ensure implementation of the preventive measures against the coronavirus. The industry would be allowed to run even during the Eid holidays – from May 22 to 27.

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The minister said a long lockdown is not in the interest of the country as the daily-wage earners could not afford restrictions. However, following precautionary measures is vital to tackle the challenge of coronavirus. “People must ensure social distancing in shopping malls and markets,” he added.

Faraz said the country has started production of personal protective equipment (PPE) for coronavirus and the surplus products would be exported as well.

The minister said Prime Minister Imran Khan had formally launched the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Programme for those rendered jobless due to the coronavirus. Despite limited resources, the government is taking all possible steps to provide relief to the poor segments of society.

He said as per the vision of prime minister, there is a need to speed up the reforms process in the health sector and the coronavirus pandemic has shown that it should be carried out on urgent basis.

To a question, he said easing the lockdown is aimed at facilitating the people, particularly the weak segments of society and it is everyone’s responsibility to make it successful.

He, however, warned that restrictions could be re-imposed if the public did not adopt self-discipline despite undergoing the painful experience previously.

As regards massive increase in the rates of essential items in Ramazan, he said it has become a tradition in Pakistan to maximize profits during the holy month. He said it is a serious issue.

The government, he said, has ensured uninterrupted supply of the daily use commodities. Moreover, inflation and interest rates have also been already brought down. The business community should cooperate and give relief to the people by taking advantage of the two factors, he emphasized.

He accused the provincial government of Sindh of politicizing the pandemic. He said Sindh is part of the National Coordination Committee (NCC) on Covid-19, which takes decision on pandemic with consensus.

He called on the opposition not to spread uncertainty, confusion and anxiety through holding news conferences at the critical juncture when the government and the nation are fighting the challenge of the virus.

About non-payment of salaries by many companies and institutions, he said the State Bank of Pakistan has offered loans on minimal interest rate of 3 per cent to such entities to clear such payments.

Despite its limited resources, he said, the government has devised a strategy to support the vulnerable segments of the society. He said there would be acceleration in the distribution of cash among the deserving in the coming days under the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Programme and other initiatives.