Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Information Ajmal Wazir said here Saturday that all those business markets and shops allowed by the government will remain open for four days in a week till 4pm to facilitate traders and people during the holy month of Ramazan.

Addressing a news conference here, the adviser said all shops and markets would remain close on Friday, Saturday and Sunday except of medicines and other essential food services. He said more relaxations would be given to traders, businessmen and people subject to implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs). Wazir said great responsibility rest on traders and businessmen to implement the SOPs issued by the government for opening of shops in the province on Saturday.

He said no compromise would be made on SOPs and shops would be sealed on its violation. "Threat of coronavirus still persists in KP especially in Peshawar and I urge people to keep social distancing and avoid unnecessary visits to bazaars."

He said when people come out of homes there was high chances to get infected of coronavirus and thus make their entire family members expose to the disease.

The Adviser maintained that KP government would further ease lockdown if people and traders cooperated with government by adopting all safety measures against Covid-19.

Ajmal Wazir said the provincial government would follow the federal government's instructions with regard to reopening of education institutes and others sectors.

He said the KP government would implement whatever decisions were made under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan and that interests of people would be protected.

He said the government had been holding talks with all stakeholders including Ulema, traders, transporters and businessmen on SOPs implementation and resumption of inter-city transport.

Wazir said Chief Minister KP was leading from the front and monitoring the coronavirous situation, easing of lockdowns restrictions and others relief measures in the province.

He said the government was protecting people against Covid-19, starvation and hunger, adding tough decision of the easing of lockdown was made to facilitate people.

He urged people to turn towards Allah Almighty and make special prayers for eradication of coronavirus during Ramazan.

Wazir urged philanthropists to generously contribute for assistance of poor and white collar community in this difficult situation.-PR

NNI adds: Punjab government has extended partial lockdown till May 31, for which a notification has also been issued.

All small shops in Punjab will remain open for four days a week. According to the notification, all major shopping malls and educational institutions in Punjab will remain closed. However, barber shops, beauty parlors and gymnasiums are allowed to open for four days a week. All grocery stores, tandoors and general stores will remain open from 9 am to 5 pm.

According to the notification, the fruit, vegetable markets and courier services will remain open for entire week. Marriage halls, marquees, public transport, concerts and sports activities will be banned till May 31.

Earlier, Punjab Information Minister Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chohan announced relaxation in lockdown for four days of a week (Monday to Thursday) in which all shops and markets will be allowed to remain open. However a complete lockdown will be imposed from Friday to Sunday. Provincial Information Minister Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chohan said that mega shopping centers and plazas will not benefit from relaxation in lockdown and will remain close.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020

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