Twin cities seal shops violating SOPs

Utility Store in Islamabad shut for ignoring guidelines

RAWALPINDI/ ISLAMABAD: District administration in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Thursday sealed several shops and shopping centres for failing to implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) prescribed by the government to keep the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) from spreading.

The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration multiple markets in the federal capital on Thursday, including one of the largest outlets for the government-run Utility Stores Corporation (USC) in the country.

The USC outlet in the Karachi Company area was found to be lax in implementing the SOPs, under which businesses were allowed to reopen in the federal capital after a relaxation in the lockdown - imposed to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Sources said that the utility store management had not made any precautionary arrangements for its employees as a result of which, the ICT administration sealed the outlet.

Moreover, Islamabad Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hamza Shafqaat paid a surprise visit to Bhara Kahu where he saw SOPs being openly ignored.

At this, DC Shafqaat ordered to seal the market immediately. Similarly, the New Aabpara Market was also sealed off for violating the precautionary guidelines.

DC Shafqaat said that the district administration has formed teams which will inspect markets and businesses for the implementation on SOPs. He added that the services of the Corona Relief Tiger Force (CRTF) have also been acquired for the purpose and their teams take action on the identification of violations in different places.

He added that the ICTA sealed 83 shops and 22 industrial units in Bhara Kahu and New Aabpara markets, while fines were also imposed on 115 people and owners of 42 vehicles - four of which were impounded.

Moreover, two plazas and eight streets were also sealed. This comes a day after the district administration had sealed nine areas and buildings in the federal capital after Covid-19 cases emerged there.

Pindi action

In Rawalpindi, the district administration on Thursday sealed several shops for violations of precautionary guidelines against Covid-19.

Acting on the directions of Punjab Chief Secretary, Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Captain (Retired) Anwarul Haq formed teams comprising district officials to raid different markets of the city and check the implementation of SOPs.

They sealed various shops and shopping plazas where people were found flouting social distancing and other guidelines. DC Haq said that action against violators will continue until the Covid-19 threat is ameliorated. He added that the administration was completely active for this purpose, directing the shopkeepers as well as customers to follow precautionary guidelines.

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