Proposal to shut twin cities on Eid rejected

The federal government on Monday rejected proposals to seal the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi a few days before and after Eidul Adha. Instead, the police and other law enforcement agencies of both cities will be directed to strictly enforce the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19).

The district administrations of the twin cities had sent a request to the federal interior ministry to shut down the two cities on Eidul Adha to prevent another spike in Covid-19 cases.

Moreover, the Islamabad district administration had sent a separate request to the interior ministry to ban cattle markets in the city. However, this request was also rejected.

The ministry, however, suggested that instead of setting up one large market, traders can sell their animals in limited quantities in open spaces as part of smaller markets in each area where SOPs are strictly enforced.

Moreover, people will also be allowed to sacrifice animals on Eidul Adha as per the SOPs.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 30^th, 2020.