ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday said lockdown would be lifted phase-wise from Saturday across the country. However, he said, provinces were autonomous in taking a decision in this regard.
“If a province has reservations over the decision, then it could opt not to go for lifting lockdown. A complete consensus has not been made on running transport,” PM Imran said while addressing a media briefing in Islamabad.
He said lockdown was imposed with the surge of number of coronavirus in Pakistan. He said success of easing lockdown depended on smart behavior of masses. The government would not impose the SOPs by force.
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“I would like people coming from abroad to self quarantine, that’s the only way forward. Public transport should also operate as normal. Nobody knows till when there will be Covid-19, then how long can the lockdown last,” he asked.
Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar said all small businesses and markets will be closed twice a week, while shops of essential items would remain opened throughout the week. Small businesses and shops would be opened from Fajr till 5:00 PM, he added.
The federal government also announced to open OPDs of specific hospitals and businesses related to electric and steel. The government said the businesses related to paint and pipe mills would also remain opened. Exams of all the educational boards have been cancelled.
