NCOC reviews mobility control measures during Eid holidays

Forum shows concern on reported violations of instructions from cities, instructs provinces to ensure SOPs compliance

A special session of National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) was held Sunday to review the mobility control measures being implemented across Pakistan from May 8 to 16 to stem the spread of coronavirus during Eidul Fitr holidays.

The session, chaired by NCOC chief Asad Umar and National Coordinator Lieutenant General Hamood-Uz-Zaman Khan, was attended by chief secretaries of all provinces.

"In NCOC meeting today, chief secretaries from Federating units which have popular tourist destinations, requested to remind everyone that tourist areas are closed from 8th to 16th, so please do not come, or you will be turned back," Umar wrote on his official Twitter handle after the meeting.

In NCOC meeting today, chief secretary's from Federating units which have popular tourist destinations, requested to remind everyone that tourist areas are closed from 8th to 16th, so please do not come, or you will be turned back. #StayHomeStaySafe

— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) May 9, 2021

All markets, businesses and shops will remain closed except essential services including grocery stores, pharmacies / medical stores, medical facilities and vaccination centres, vegetable, fruit, chicken & meat shops, bakeries, petrol pumps, food takeaways, utility services (electricity, natural gas, internet, cellular networks/telecom, call centres) and media between May 8 and May 16.

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"A complete ban on tourism for both locals and outsiders will be enforced. All tourist resorts, formal and informal picnic spots, public parks, shopping malls, all hotels and restaurants in and around tourist/picnic spots will remain closed during this duration," the NCOC statement said.

It said that tourist leading to any tourism destination will be sent back and will not be allowed to enter. "Bookings of all hotels have also been cancelled."

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Ban on inter-provincial, inter-city and intra-city public transport will be imposed, except private vehicles, taxis/cabs, rikshaws with 50% occupancy.

The forum showed concern on reported violations of instructions from various cities and instructed all provinces to ensure complete compliance of instructions with full administrative control, the statement further said.