Balochistan extends lockdown for 15 days

Non implementation of SOPs termed cause of concern

QUETTA:

The Balochistan government on Wednesday announced to extend the smart lockdown till July 30 as the province's coronavirus cases continue to rise.

According to the notification issued by the Home department of Balochistan in view of the Covid-19 spread and escalating rate of cases, the provincial government has decided to enforce the smart lockdown in the province for another 15 days.

During the lockdown, there shall be a complete ban on gathering of ten or more people, sit-ins, processions and rallies. People going to public places will have to wear a mask or any other clothing piece.

The home department statement also adds that tandoors, dairy products shops, medical stores, blood banks and tailor shops will be allowed to be open for 24 hours apart from restaurants and hotels that will only be open for home delivery and takeaway service.

Educational institutions of the province as per the directives of the federal government, cinemas, farmhouses, wedding halls, picnic points will remain closed. Restrictions on social, political and religious ceremonies will remain in place too.

All shopping malls, markets and shops shall remain functional from 9 am to 7 pm from Saturday to Thursday. Businesses will stay shut on Friday.

Relief to business community

On the other hand, Provincial Minister for Home and Tribal Affairs Meer Ziaullah Langove stated that the Balochistan chief minister sought business activities to be continued with a comprehensive and integrated strategy and that a relief package would be provided to all businesses affected by the coronavirus.

He shared these views while meeting with a delegation of Anjuman e Tajiran accompanied by Senator Manzoor Khan Kakar. Additional Chief Secretary Hafiz Abdul Basit briefed about the steps taken to address the concerns of traders in the wake of smart- lockdown.

Addressing the meeting Langove said the role of traders of the province in particular cannot be forgotten.

"Coronavirus is a global epidemic which is also affecting Pakistan thus tough decisions have to be taken under extreme compulsion," the minister added. "CM Jam Kamal can relate with the common man. On the one hand, there is coronavirus, and on the other there is poverty and we have to strive against both."

Published in The Express Tribune, July 16^th, 2020.