Restaurants, businesses to close by 8pm on New Year’s Eve in Karachi

The decision was taken owing to security reasons and on the request of the police department

KARACHI:

The Karachi Commissioner Navid Ahmed Shaikh on Thursday directed all restaurants and businesses in Karachi to ensure closure by 8pm on New Year's Eve (today).

“Owing to security reasons and on the request of Police Department, I am directed to convey to you the direction of Commissioner Karachi Division to please ensure the closure of all the restaurants and business places at 08:00 PM on the eve of New Year 2021,” stated a notification issued by Sindh authorities.

PHOTO: EXPRESS

On December 30, it was reported that Karachi Commissioner Navid Ahmed Shaikh directed the police to keep Sea View and surrounding areas open for the public on the day, with better traffic and security arrangements.

The directives came amid the pandemic situation while reviewing the security and traffic plan and other arrangements for December 31.

Sindh Police and Rangers personnel would be deployed at all public places and on important arteries leading to Sea View.

The commissioner said the relevant authorities would ensure the implementation of pandemic-related standard operating procedures, while Article 144 will be imposed to protect the lives of citizens from aerial firing and other such activities.

He asked deputy commissioners (DCs) to take action against those violating the law.

Moreover, an emergency would be imposed in hospitals, while fire tenders and ambulances would be available at camps set up across the city by the police.

He further instructed the DCs to ensure that street lights in their respective areas were working properly on the day and all manholes were covered.