Balochistan government spokesperson Liaquat Shahwani has warned that the provincial government could “convert smart lockdown into strict lockdown” if standard operating procedures (SOPs) are not followed.
Addressing the media in Quetta, he said that traders and people have until May 19 to ensure that they follow SOPs; otherwise the government will tighten the lockdown. “Easing of the lockdown depends on the people’s level of responsibility.”
Shahwani added that so far 528 people had been stopped by police in Quetta for violating SOPs and 16 shops were sealed.
Shahwani expressed disappointment over residents’ failure to take precautionary measures, saying that if public continued to violate standard operating procedures, the number of cases in the province will increase. “We are reminding traders of their responsibilities, we said wear masks, not helmets,” he said.
“I ask those who live in colder areas, during winters, in Quetta for example, they wear three mufflers, the most you get from cold is a flu. We do so much to protect ourselves from the cold, why can’t we wear a small mask. This means we do not have a sense of responsibility,” he lamented.
Meanwhile, KP Chief Minister’s Adviser Ajmal Wazir also warned that if residents failed to follow the SOPs, the government would impose restrictions again.
He said that the government has allowed public transport to resume operations in the province but SOPs have been laid out. The government will continue to monitor activities to ensure that preventive measures are being followed, Wazir said, adding that if people follow SOPs, restrictions will be eased further.
On the other hand, a meeting chaired by Punjab Law Minister Raja Basharat was held in Lahore to review the situation and administrative issues related to coronavirus in the province. The meeting decided that SOPs will be strictly implemented for shopping malls and inter-district public transport which will be opened from today (Monday). It was also decided to allow worship in churches on Sunday from next week.
On this occasion, Punjab Chief Secretary Jawad Rafique said that in case of violation of SOPs about markets, the entire market will be sealed instead of taking individual action against the traders. He said business is allowed four days a week while three days will be complete lockdown.
Also, the Punjab government has decided to issue SOPs for congregational prayers of Jumatul Wida (last Friday of Ramazan) and Eidul Fitr.