Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has said that the decision to ease lockdown in a phased manner has been taken with collective consultations and unanimous decisions have also been taken in order to bring ease and facilitation in the lives of common man.
Punjab government has taken decisions with unanimity with the federal government and other provinces, he added. Usman Buzdar apprised that a decision has been taken to allow functioning of industries linked with construction and concerned shops. He further maintained that permission will also be granted to open more industries and concerned businesses. The CM highlighted that industries comprising of pipe mills, ceramics, sanitary wares, paints, electrical cables, switch boards, steel, aluminium and other shops will also be allowed to operate.
Hardware stores will also be opened and it has been decided to open small markets and small shops across the province, he stated. CM maintained that small markets and small shops will remain open from early Fajar time till 5 pm in the evening. He further underscored that small markets and small shops getting opened will remain closed for two days in a week.
CM stressed that two days enforcement of closure will not be applied on the already opened pharmacies, medical stores, milk shops, karyana stores, tandoors, bakeries and other shops. CM further disclosed that it has also been decided to open OPDs of hospitals. Usman Buzdar apprised that it has also been decided with consensus that educational institutions will remain closed till 15th July and examinations of boards have also been cancelled and promotions of students in 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades will be done on the basis of previous year’s result.
CM Usman Buzdar has allowed passengers, who have returned to Pakistan from abroad, at quarantine centers and hotels to order food from outside on Thursday.
The CM met Overseas Pakistanis Commission (OPC) Punjab Vice Chairman Waseem Akhtar Ramay to exchange views over the facilities being provided to the travelers at quarantine centers.
CM ANNOUNCES SPECIAL GRANT FOR CULTURAL AND LITERARY BODIES: Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has announced a special grant for cultural and literary bodies affected due to lockdown and coronavirus and also approved the release of funds to them. He has directed the information and culture department to early provide approved funds to the said bodies. In a statement, he maintained that every segment of life is affected by lockdown adding that government is obligated to fulfil their needs.
CM MESSAGE ON WORLD THALASSEMIA DAY: Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has said that thalassemia is a hereditary disease and a very painful matter of the innocent children. In his message, the CM said that children suffering from thalassemia deserve special attention. There is a need to adopt coordinated efforts against this disease and the government is also doing different steps to provide quality healthcare facilities to the thalassemia patients.
A comprehensive policy has been devised to eradicate this disease and this policy is being implemented efficiently. The purpose of celebrating this day is to raise societal awareness and we should also reiterate the commitment to continue working for a thalassemia-free Pakistan, the CM concluded.
