Many shops sealed in many big cities over violation of SOPs

LAHORE (92 News) – The city administration sealed many shops for violating the standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the Punjab government. According to the details garnered, many shops of Lahore, Rawalpindi among many other cities due to the violation of SOPs and shopkeepers are also being arrested. The strict action is also being taken against the people who are not wearing masks, however, the traffic police started to issue challans. Earlier on Thursday, the Lahore police, which assisted the administration, says that shops have only been sealed, no FIRs have been lodged or arrests made. The exercise was restricted to sealing of few shops and warning to others as it was aimed at “conveying the message” that government means business. “So, ensure sanitizers, masks and social distance. Otherwise, your business runs the risk,” he claimed. “Thursday was more of a warning shot. It was day first of implementation of the SOPs and the administration just wanted to convey its seriousness to traders. The severity and frequency of raids would certainly increase by the day if violations are reported.” Meanwhile, Punjab Minister for Industry Mian Aslam Iqbal has said that raids will conducted in markets to implement the standard operating procedures (SOPs) from Friday. He said that everyone will be offered mask. “Elderly people and children will not be allowed to visit the markets,” he said. He announced that the whole bazaar will be closed if SOPs violated at a single shop. “It is responsibility of traders’ organization to implement the SOPs,” he said. The minister said that they could go to the complete lockdown if the traders’ organizations did not fulfill their promises. He said that encroachments would be eliminated in markets.