Chief justice orders reopening of shopping malls across country

• The CJP told authorities to allow markets to remain open on Saturday and Sunday.

The Supreme Court (SC) ordered on Monday opening of all shopping malls which were closed due to coronavirus pandemic across country.

A five-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Gulzar Ahmed, comprising Justice Mushir Alam, Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, Justice Mazhar Alam Khan and Justice Qazi Amin took up the suo motu hering regarding the coronavirus situation.

During the hearing, the CJP wondered why shopping malls were asked to stay closed when markets were open. He also directed that all shops should be opened , adding that closing them on the weekends only makes no sense. "Did the coronavirus tell the authorities that it only affects people on the weekend?" the CJP asked.

The SC also directed authorities not to seal any shops or markets over their failure to follow SOPs. The CJP said instead of threatening them, authorities must explain the SOPs to the shopkeepers.

Following the SC's ruling, Punjab government said it will implement the orders by the SC. The government also issued SOPs for shops and businesses to adhere to while conducting day-to-day activities.