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Will have to impose lockdown again if precautions not observed: Shibli

Will have to impose lockdown again if precautions not observed: Shibli
May 8, 2020
ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Minister for Information Shibli Faraz on Friday has warned to impose lockdown again if precautions are not observed. The minister tooke his twitter and said, “The people’s cooperation is required for the success of lifting of lockdown.” He also said Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for various businesses will have to be implemented strictly. “We will have to impose lockdown again if precautionary measures are not observed,” Shibli Faraz maintained. He said coronavirus pandemic is a common issue, which can be faced with unity. The minister said gradual easing of lockdown shows government’s approach of compassion for weaker segments of society. He said this will also help support small businesses in the country. He further mentioned that a long-term lockdown could ruin employment of people involved in small businesses. He said economic activities and people's health should go side by side. A day earlier, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan announced to lift the lockdown from Saturday. Briefing the nation about decisions made during today’s meeting of National Coordination Committee (NCC), the prime minister said that the NCC has decided to lift the lockdown in phases starting from Saturday. The premier said the decision to lift lockdown has been taken to mitigate the suffering of daily-wage earners, labourers and weak segments of society. “The decision has been made due to the suffering of our people,” he explained. “Every sector is reeling under difficulties at present, small traders, rickshaw and taxi drivers, as well as labourers, are facing great hardships due to [to the lockdown],” he pointed out, adding no one can say for sure if coronavirus cases will see a spike after relaxation in the lockdown. Imran Khan said the government rolled out the biggest relief package in Pakistan’s history. “How long can we give a package? So we have to lift the lockdown,” he stressed. “We have to lift the lockdown, but wisely after consulting with the provinces,” he said, adding that it was decided to ease the lockdown. He maintained that all the provinces still have concerns over the opening of public transport. The premier said that it was also decided not to resume railway operation and domestic flight operations. “Inter-provincial transport will also not be restored. It has been decided to open small shops across the country from 5am to 5pm while educational institutions will remain closed till July 15,” he explained.