Sindh to approach NCOC for inter-provincial transport ban

A day after CM renewed the call for a ban on inter-city bus transport

KARACHI/LAHORE:

The provincial taskforce on Covid-19 in Sindh decided on Friday to approach the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), seeking a two-week ban on interprovincial transport.

This was decided during a meeting presided over by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah - a day after he renewed the call for a ban on inter-city bus transport - to restrict people from travelling to the province and flatten the virus curve.

Addressing the meeting, the CM said he was not in favour of a lockdown, but only wanted a ban on inter-provincial transport so as to restrict the movement of people.

“This is the only way to contain [the spread] of variants that originated in the United Kingdom (UK),” he said, adding that even if a ban was imposed, goods’ transport and activity at the seaport would continue as usual.

Read: Sindh will impose inter-city transport ban if Centre doesn't, says Murad

Later, a Sindh government official confirmed to The Express Tribune that the CM, in light of the taskforce’s recommedations, would formally write a letter to the federal government, moving it to impose a ban on inter-provincial transport for two weeks. “The letter will be sent on Saturday,” he said.

Separately, Sindh Education Saeed Ghani asserted that all decisions regarding pandemic restrictions would be taken in line with the NCOC’s guidelines and the federal government’s decisions.

Addressing a press conference, Ghani dispelled the impression that the Sindh government was going to shut down everything.

“Whether it’s a decision about closing malls by 8pm or closing marriage halls, all these decision will be taken in line with what is decided by the NCOC and the federal government,” he assured.