Zubair Qrureshi
Residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Saturday came out of their houses and spent time at parks, picnic points or doing shopping all day, as the federal government has announced lifting of 5-day restrictions on business, opening of tourist points, parks and picnics, etc.
This was something new and unbelievable for them as sitting at their homes for months and months doing nothing was simply crushing their spirits and while talking to Pakistan Observer most of them expressed their enthusiasm and plans to celebrate the first day of opening in their own special way.
Amjad Abbasi, a local shopkeeper in Karachi Company (G-9/4) said he was overhauling his shop and bringing new items as a surge in business is expected on the first few days after opening up.
Asma a university said she was planning to visit Faisal Masjid along with her parents and to pray at the start of ‘new life’ after the devastating coronavirus that had disturbed the entire life of the citizens.
The capital administration has further eased restrictions on small businesses allowing them to open for an unlimited time throughout the week.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Hamza Shafqaat said as per the government decision, shops which were already opened five days a week had been allowed to open on Saturdays and Sundays with no time restrictions. However, they will strictly follow the Covid-19 safety measures, said he.
Public processions, gatherings of all kinds for social/religious or any other purpose at any public and private place are also not allowed.
Officials said markets, marakiz and shopping malls would remain open on the weekends. Timing restrictions on grocery, Karyana stores and other shops were also lifted.
Punjab Minister for Health Dr Yasmin Rashid visited the Central Secretariat of the PTI in Islamabad and held a meeting with party’s chief organiser Saifullah Khan Nyazee.
According to the central media department of the party, Dr Yasmin highlighted the strategies adopted to deal with the contagious disease in the province and the treatment facilities provided to the affected citize-ns.
She said significant progress has been achieved against the outbreak.
Meanwhile, fearing a surge in the Covid-19 cases after Eidul Azha, the divisional administration of Rawalpindi has asked the four district administrations to make arrangements in the government hospitals.
Commissioner Capt (R) Mohammad Mehmood said though the number of patients did not increase, arrangements had been made to deal with any emergency.
“The government hospitals have been relaxed in the last two weeks due to less number of Covid-19 patients yet after prediction by experts and a slight increase in the confirmed cases, all hospitals and health facilities have been put on a high alert,” he said.
