Governor disapprove of curfew-like lockdown

Says it is better to enforce strict implementation of SOPs

KARACHI:

Sindh Governor Imran Ismail on Saturday advised the chief minister to refrain from a complete and curfew-like lockdown in the province

He also suggested to ensure the enforcement of SOPs in letter and spirit instead of opting for excessive measures.

Addressing a press conference here at the Governor House, Ismail made it clear that the federation was against extreme steps to contain the pandemic as the national economy could not afford shutting down industries and business activities, particularly in Karachi, the economic hub of the country.

"The Sindh government has neither taken the federal government on board while taking the decision nor consulted other stakeholders including trade and industrial community," the governor said.

Read: NCOC gives Aug 31 deadline to service sector for vaccination

He added that the decision was also in violation of the apex court's judgment that directed the following of guidelines while dealing with the situation arising of spread of Covid-19.

He said that complete closure of industry and business was not a viable option and the provincial government's unilateral decision in this regard was a surprise move for the federal government as well as NCOC.

The governor insisted it was better to sternly enforce the SOPs first and then opt for lockdown in hot-spots. He sais if the situation does not improve, authorities should move gradually towards extreme measures.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 1^st, 2021.