The Sindh government has reopened shopping malls across the province following the Supreme Court’s order, but children and people aged above 55 will not be allowed entrance. The top court directed on Monday the government to open all malls and markets across Sindh seven days a week and unseal the markets it had sealed. Wednesday morning saw malls reopening. Shopkeepers have been directed to follow SOPs while dealing with customers. Shopping malls are open in Punjab as well from 9am to 5pm. However, in both provinces, food courts, restaurants, play areas and beauty salons will remain closed at least till Eid. All Karachi Ittehad Chairman Atiq Mir has demanded the government allow markets to be opened till 12am till chand raat (the night before Eid). On the other hand, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan governments have extended their province-wide lockdowns till June 2 to stem the coronavirus spread. Pakistan has confirmed over 45,000 known COVID-19 cases so far. Meanwhile, train services have also been resumed with SOPs. They were suspended for two months. They were restored after Prime Minister Imran Khan approved on Monday Federal Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed’s request for their resumption. Thirty trains have been scheduled for travel. They’ll only be filled 60% so that travelers can maintain social distancing and avoid contracting COVID-19. Tickets are being booked online while passengers have been instructed to wear masks and gloves and bring a hand sanitizer and soap.
