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| Several big market chains and shopping centers in Karachi were forced to close for failing to comply with government SOP rules. |
Commissioner Karachi Iftikhar Shalwani on Wednesday called for sealing several major markets and shopping centers and at least three shops in the city for violating standard operating procedures (SOP) issued by the government before easing the coronavirus downtown for traders and the public.
In the city's eastern district, three major stores - Limelight, Shoe Planet, and Stylo - were sealed to allow large crowds inside stores.
Zainab Market, Sadar, in closed markets and shopping centers in the South District; Victoria Center, Sadar; International Center, Sadar; Medina City Mall, Sadar; Al-Haram Center, Gardens; Gul Plaza, Garden; And Jilani Center, Arambagh.
At least two beauty salons in the district were also sealed for not following the guidelines.
"These shops have been sealed because they were in violation of the SOP despite warnings and my personal visits to all these markets," the commissioner said in a statement.
He warned that the business of shopkeepers not implementing the government-mandated SOP would be sealed.
The nationwide markets were seen after opening for the first time on Monday after more than a month as nationwide lockout was eased despite a huge increase in the number of Kovid-19 infections.
The government announced last week that it would initiate a phased out of the lockout due to its impact on the economy and the workforce.
Karachi saw heavy traffic jams in the areas around the wholesale markets, and there were also large crowds in the commercial centers of Lahore and Quetta.
In many places, many were seen not following government-issued guidelines to prevent further spread of Kovid-19, including wearing masks and maintaining a physical distance.
Speakers at a press conference in Karachi on Tuesday had expressed serious concern over the irresponsible conduct of citizens after the relaxation of the lockdown and described it as "a public health disaster in the making".
He also criticized the federal government for "lack of understanding" in the spread of Kovid-19.
'Yesterday, after the lockdown was relaxed, we noted with horror that most people, shopkeepers and salesmen, and even policemen and journalists on the streets either did not wear face masks at all or are not using it properly Were. We also saw people with three to four children on bikes and in rickshaws without any precaution,' said senior doctor-cum-worker Dr. Sher Shah Syed said.
'If the government does not want a lockdown, it should ensure with the help of law enforcement agencies that everyone strictly follows the precautionary measures that must be repeated on radio and television to create public awareness.'
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