‘Anti-Covid SOPs a must at cattle markets’

The Senate Standing Committee on Interior directed Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat to strictly implement anti-coronavirus standard operating procedures (SOPs) in cattle markets in wake of the surging Covid-19 situation in the city.

The committee met with Mohsin Aziz on Wednesday and asked the Islamabad administration to ensure the implementation of SOPs across the city in true letter and spirit.

Discussing the Covid-19 (Prevention and Hoarding) Bill, 2021, the members recommended that a limit must be linked with the sales from the shop to the consumer. They said that the definitions for distributors, wholesalers and retailers must be specified along with the limit of each one.

While being briefed by the Ministry of Interior on Child Labour, the committee was informed that a survey would be conducted in Islamabad next month to collect data on child labour to fight the menace effectively.

The committee chairman said the laws related to child labours must be implemented rigorously to ensure curbing of the menace at the local level.

The meeting commenced with details of an untoward incident that took place on July 12 when a man was seen wielding weapons in front of Parliament House. The members asserted that it was a major security lapse and regular snap checks must be conducted to ensure that no such incident was repeated in the future and sought a detailed report on the incident.

Regarding the suo moto notice that was taken by the chairman over a viral video, the committee was informed that the victims were hesitant to reveal their identity which makes the case tricky. The main accused along with the seven other accomplices are in custody.

The members of the committee stressed the need for stepping up security. It was asserted that an example must be set so that such incidents were not repeated, adding that penalties must be publicised so that deterrence is created.

The meeting was attended by Senators Rana Maqbool Ahmed, Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti, Samina Mumtaz, Faisal Saleem Rehman, Shahadat Awan, Fawzia Arshad, Dilawar Khan, Faisal Ali Sabzwari and senior officers from the Ministry of Interior and its attached departments.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 15^th, 2021.