Punjab Minister for Industries & Trade Mian Aslam Iqbal said that we cannot take risk of lifting the ban on social gathering and ceremonies, however, suggestion of holding functions with limited number of people will be considered.
A delegation of the Marriage Hall Association led by its President Mian Ilyas met the minister on Tuesday. They apprised him that the association is fully implementing the restriction of one-dish menu imposed by the government.
They demanded to open banquet halls with limited number of people and assured the minister to implement Standards Operating Procedures in true letter and spirit.
The minister said that he will raise this issue in the meeting of National Command and Operation Center.
Trade Minister Aslam Iqbal visited mega shopping mall in Johar Town and reviewed implementation on SOPs. The minister was apprised by the administration about maintaining social distancing measures, usage of hand sanitizers, wearing of masks along with ensuring queue management system.
Aslam Iqbal while talking to the media remarked that SOPs are fully implemented in this shopping mall as no one is seen without mask.
Social distancing is also being maintained and shopkeepers are dealing the customers by wearing shields, he added.
He hoped that likewise implementation on SOPs will also be followed in other shopping malls.
He urged that in order to save ourselves, our near and dear ones, elders, friends and relatives from coronavirus pandemic we will have to act upon precautionary measures.
The minister apprised that the orders of Supreme Court will be fully implemented and obeyed with regard to granting permission to carry out business on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
He further added that the matter pertaining to increasing timings of markets is also under consideration in the cabinet meeting. He stressed that implementation of 20-points agenda being settled with the government with regard to offering prayers in mosques and holding congregations is imperative.
He further informed that 50 per cent transport has been opened but if members of the same family are traveling from one city to another then they can be seated together while maintaining social distance between stranger passengers is essential.
Aslam Iqbal further underscored that the benefits of decrease in petroleum prices must reach to the common man and hopefully all transporters will also act upon rules and regulations.
The minister assured that the government is standing by the traders in the prevailing difficult situation and advised the traders they should not ignore SOPs for the sake of minting money.
He further advised traders to implement SOPs in letter and spirit and disclosed that cinemas and theaters will not be opened on Eid-ul-Fitr.
