Bata shuts factories, retail stores across Pakistan as pandemic looms

• The company will close its head office, factories, regional offices, and retail stores throughout Pakistan until further notice by the respective governments.

Pakistan shoe manufacturer Bata Pakistan Limited has shut down its operations including retail stores all across the country amid the spread of COVID-19.

“In order to comply with the directives issued by the Government of Pakistan and the provincial governments relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 across Pakistan, the company has closed its operations,” said the company in its filing to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Thursday.

The company will close its head office, factories, regional offices, and retail stores throughout Pakistan until further notice by the respective governments.

The statement comes after the federal government on Wednesday announced that the restrictions imposed across the country by the government to counter the spread of coronavirus will continue till April 14.

Addressing a media briefing in Islamabad on Wednesday after attending the National Coordination Committee meeting, Federal Minister Asad Umar said that the decision has been taken keeping in view the analysis and data regarding deaths and the number of affected patients.

Meanwhile, the company added that they would inform as soon as the operational activities resume. “The company fully supports the efforts of the government to contain the spread of this pandemic,” the company added.