While addressing the media on Saturday, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s information adviser, Ajmal Wazir, has said that discussions with the traders are underway and the decision on a further easing of the lockdown will depend on the implementation of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS) by the business community and the people in general.
He further said that the ease in the province’s lockdown does not mean that the fight against coronavirus is over; it is a test for the government as well as for the people.
“If shopkeepers are found violating the safety measures, businesses will be closed on the spot,” warned the minister, adding that failure to implement SOPS “would not be tolerated at any cost”.
Urging the general public and the trader community to follow the safety SOPs outlined by the government, the minister said the government is monitoring the coronavirus statistics during the relaxed lockdown.
“If the virus spreads at a greater ratio, the lockdown will be made strict again,” he said.
According to an official notification, the provincial government has allowed all shops to remain open for four days a week.
Apart from shops selling daily need items, other shops will remain closed from Friday to Sunday.
The businesses have been allowed to operate until 4 pm.
The KP government said the decision regarding inter-district and other forms of transportation will be taken after consultation with the relevant district unions.
The KP government has said it will follow guidelines issued by the federal government. Wazir has said that schools, industries and other sectors will open in line with the Centre’s policy.
