Due to the increasing number of coronavirus patients and the outbreak of Delta Variant across Pakistan, the government has decided to set specific restrictions in particular cities from the 3rd of August to the 31st of August.
Asad Umar the minister of planning, development, and special initiatives stated after consultation with the prime minister:
“After the authorization of Prime Minister Imran Khan, the National Command and Operation Centre has concluded that certain restrictions will be imposed in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Faisalabad in Punjab. From Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Abbottabad and Peshawar. Karachi and Hyderabad in Sindh, Muzzafarabad, and Mirpur in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit and Skardu in Gilgit Baltistan.”
During the press conference, the Prime minister’s special assistant of the National Health Services Dr. Faisal Sultan was also present.
Asad Umar stated that the Sindh government has already put a smart lockdown till the 8th of August in Karachi and Hyderabad. However, the federal government’s command will implement in these cities from 9th August onwards.
Moreover, he announced that in selected cities markets will be shut down by 8 pm which were initially allowed to stay open till 10 pm. Also, the markets will remain close for two days a week.
“The days off will be appointed by the respective provinces.” He declared.
He further added indoor dining was allowed for the vaccinated people earlier, however, due to the recent situations this decision was declined.
“Very weak submissiveness was observed in restaurants and the administration couldn’t examine every restaurant in this concern.”
Asad Umar continuing the details stated that the government has allowed an outdoor dining area for 10 pm and that the deliveries and take away services will be available till midnight.
Regarding offices, it is stated that 50% attendance will be allowed in all the public and private sector offices while the rest of the employees will work from home.
