Daily Times

Despite the sharp increase in number of coronavirus cases in metropolis, shops and small markets remained open in violation of the lockdown. In the mega city, the shops in Hussianabad, Ayesha Manzil, Gulistan-e-Johar, Liaquatabad, Saddar, Landhi, Korangi, Malir and other areas of Karachi may be seen serving the customers against the government’s directives.

As per details, the Karachiites have neglected the lockdown orders by the provincial government as large number of people along with their vehicles were seen on the roads. The too much traffic was noticed on Shahra-e-Faisal, Garibabad, Drigh Road and other roads of the metropolis. After seeing the careless attitude of people, the Sindh government is willing to extend the province-wide lockdown by one week after April 14, till April 21, 2020.

The Sindh government has also ordered the administration to close all the main thoroughfares in Karachi and other big cities. On the other hand, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed his displeasure over the rush witnessed at shops as passed the orders for ensure strict measures.

“We won’t die from corona but we end up dying due to hunger and poverty,” said people who came for taking ration. People expressed their concern that how can we sit at our home if we don’t have stuff to eat and money to buy medicines, what Sindh Govt has done so far, nothing yet.

“We are only here to be out of hunger, we have no other reason,” adding that “We are still suffering and no plan for the future how we will survive”, people asked More than an hundred who were waiting for ration, however, say that the “lockdown” may as well be a curfew, because no one is offering them work too.

On other hand Sindh Govt has sent bill which will be called ‘Sindh COVID-19 Emergency Relief Ordinance-2019 to Governor Imran Ismail for the approval.

To tackle the situation and calm down the people, Emergency bill with an aim to provide relief which will come into effect from April 1.

As per bill the reliefs that the ordinance proposes as educational institution will charge 80% of the total monthly fees, organization and companies will not be allowed to fire any employee and some relaxation for utility bills payment.

Murtaza Wahab said that the ordinance will provide a huge relief to the public if approved.