Traders to launch SOPs implementation campaign
The city's small-scale traders have decided to launch an awareness campaign, with the collaboration of the city administration, pertaining to the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) to curb the spread of coronavirus in Karachi's markets.
During a meeting headed by All Karachi Tajir Ittehad Chairperson Atiq Mir on Monday, traders demanded that the government announce a mechanism for the provision of free face masks to the public and traders, as well as calling for the imposition of a fine of Rs100 for those who failed to wear it.
Meanwhile, authorities urged the traders to take precautions to control the potential outbreak of Covid-19 and ensure the implementation of SOPs in the markets, including the use of face masks. It is pertinent to note that the city administration announced a fine of Rs500 for those not wearing face masks in public last week.
Mir stated that the traders should learn from the losses they suffered during the previous lockdown, which they still have not been able to overcome. "We will not defend traders who do not follow the SOPs. We do not want anyone to seal entire markets due to the negligence of a few," he added.
Mir also drew the attention of the Sindh government to the alleged bribery and extortion being carried out by the police and magistrates in exchange for letting the violators go unpunished, asking the provincial chief minister to take strict action against such officials.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 10th, 2020.