After SC order, malls and salons reopen in Islamabad

CTRF has been working to create awareness on SOPs

ISLAMABAD: In light of the directives from the apex court, all shopping malls and hair salons in the federal capital reopened on Monday. These businesses can now operate for all seven days of the week.

Earlier, the Islamabad Capital Territory Administration (ICTA) had allowed these two business entities to operate for just five days a week. However, as Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed heard the suo moto case on the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) and resulting crisis, he directed for these businesses to open for seven days a week.

In a notification on Monday, ICTA Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hamza Shafqaat said that all shopping malls, barbershops and beauty salons will operate around the week, even after Eidul Fitr ends, amidst the lockdown.

DC added that the Corona Tiger Relief Force (CTRF) has been working actively to ensure the implementation of precautionary standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Shafqaat said that the volunteer force is creating awareness as per a campaign across the city, particularly in the rural areas, to sensitise people against the pandemic virus.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 19^th, 2020.