Karachi wears a deserted look as closure plan goes into effect

The city on Wednesday was widely deserted with restaurants, tea-stalls, food and beverage shops, academies and big markets and malls, besides recreational places remained closed for public following the Sindh government plan to arrest the spread of pandemic - the Covid-19.
Roads seen with less traffic and public, as panic about the deadly virus has restricted a majority to their homes and workplaces. Food shops and markets were witnessed under strict government order to succeed the plan to ensure eradication of the virus in the province. Nearly 150 traders were arrested for not complying with the orders.
"Situation is worrisome [for traders]," Jamil Paracha, Chairman Sindh Tajir Ittehad told Business Recorder, saying that opening of markets is not an option since the virus spillover is feared imminent in the face of less resources and treatment facilities at hospitals. "Hospitals are filled with patients contracted the virus and treatment is unavailable," he said and added that how could traders risk their lives with buyers as well.
In the morning hours, Paracha said the markets began opening despite the government's closure plan but police forced them to shut. "We did try to contact with Governor Sindh and advisor to the premier to request them for relief. We cannot close our businesses at once without any preparations, he said, adding that the government has called the traders for a meeting on Mar 21 for deliberations in this connection. We will seek an exclusive timing for opening of market," the chief of the Ittehad said.
As per the government orders, port clearance cards to outgoing fishing boats were also cancelled, as fisheries auctions remained suspended with landing of new catch at all small jetties. Federal Ministry of Maritime also notified the harbor officials to carry out examination of the arriving fishermen especially those operated their boats near Iran borders. Labor, mainly from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has left for their towns in fear of intercity bus services and other communications closures.
Health department officials with doctors and paramedics are available for examining the seafood traders, fishermen and other crewmembers. "So far, around 8,000 people have been examined at the harbor," an official of Karachi Fish Harbor Authority told Business Recorder. The harbor and its offices will also remain closed for 15 days in line with the Sindh government's notification.