The Punjab government has decided to strictly implement Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for shopping malls and inter-district public transport. It was decided in a high level meeting, chaired by Law Minister Raja Basharat, and attended by Minister for Industries Mian Aslam Iqbal, Chief Secretary Punjab and IGP Punjab Shoaib Dastagir. They reviewed situation arising from coronavirus pandemic. The meeting also decided to issue SOPs for Jumma-tul-Wida and Eid prayers.
The meeting was also informed about CM Buzdar’s appreciation for law minister, chief secretary, IG and their teams for excellent arrangement on Youm-e-Ali and said that performance of civil and police officials was commendable. Raja Basharat expressed hope that officials would continue to work with the same spirit and diligence and directed to ensure all necessary arrangements for Jumma-tul-Wida and Eid-ul-Fitr.
Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar granted permission to resume intercity and inter-district transport and allow online taxi service operation while also announcing 20% reduction in fares.
The meeting allowed reopening major shopping malls while following precautionary SOPs and also approved allowing power looms to operate. Churches have also been allowed to hold mass on Sundays while taking care of SOPs.
The chief secretary ordered divisional commissioners and RPOs to ensure security and other arrangements on the occasion of Jumatul Wida and Eid. He asked the officers to engage traders’ organizations for implementation of SOPs and in case of violation seal the whole market rather than acting against individuals.
Jawwad Rafique asserted that businesses are allowed to open four days a week and lockdown would be in place during remaining period. He mentioned that Tiger Force is a useful human resource and their services should be utilized best to provide relief to people.
The meeting also decided to allow Sunday service in churches from Sunday. The meeting was briefed that as per decision of cabinet committee businesses related to export-oriented industry, automobile, mobile-phone industries and power looms would be opened in the province and monitoring teams would inspect these industrial units and factories to ensure implementation of SOPs.
