Govt hints at lockdown if cases surge after Eid

Police told to arrest anyone found violating SOPs

QUETTA:

Balochistan government spokesperson on Tuesday warned of a complete lockdown throughout the province if coronavirus cases resurge after Eid.

Addressing a news conference Shahwani said that strict directions have been issued to police to arrest people and shop owners violating SOPs during Eidul Azha.

"We need to remain more cautious during the next 15 days because the public will be out for shopping," he said urging people to follow the SOPs. "If we face a surge in coronavirus cases after Eid, the government will impose a full lockdown in order to control the spread of the virus. This is why people of Balochistan should pursue safety precautions."

The spokesperson announced that people and shop owners violating the laid out guidelines by the government will be dealt strictly.

"Fortunately Balochistan has been witnessing a decline in Covid-19 cases since the last two weeks whereas we have achieved a recovery rate of 86.5 per cent."

Further on, commenting on the chief minister’s decision regarding corruption elimination the spokesman said that the anti-corruption act is being amended to eradicate corruption in the province while the CM’s inspection team will also be reconstituted and be formed into an independent body.

"Balochistan is on the path of development. The anti-corruption establishment was being restructured to eradicate corruption but a case related to corruption and waste of resources in development schemes has been referred to the anti-corruption body," Shahwani added.

He concluded that even though cases were lodged in the past but results were not achieved. “However, now the current regime in Balochistan is reforming the institutions to gear up the work on corruption cases.”

CM orders amendments

On the other hand, the Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal on Tuesday directed senior members of the board of revenue department to prepare recommendations for amendments and reforms of businesses rules regarding appointment and transfer of administrative officers.

Administrative and district officers in divisions and districts were also given the task of preparing proposals for the provision of offices and other facilities including accommodation.

The Government of Balochistan has decided to make sure all necessary facilities for the administrative officers to assist them in improving their efficiency and effectiveness.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29^th, 2020.