In numerous places, many people were seen not observing govt-issued guidelines to prevent further spread of Covid-19.
Updated 13 May, 2020

People across Pakistan crowded markets on Monday after they opened up for the first time in over a month as the nationwide lockdown was eased despite a rise in the rate of coronavirus infections.

Areas around wholesale markets in Karachi saw heavy traffic jams, and there were also big crowds in the commercial centres of Lahore and Quetta.

In numerous places, many people were seen not observing the government-issued guidelines to prevent further spread of Covid-19, including by not wearing masks and not maintaining a physical distance.

People shop in a market after the government relaxed the weeks-long lockdown in Peshawar on Monday, May 11. — AP
People shop in a market after the government relaxed the weeks-long lockdown in Peshawar on Monday, May 11. — AP

People rush to shop at markets in Karachi, Monday. — AP
People rush to shop at markets in Karachi, Monday. — AP

Women queue to enter a clothing store in Rawalpindi on May 11. — AFP
Women queue to enter a clothing store in Rawalpindi on May 11. — AFP

Shoppers throng a market in Hyderabad on the first day of the easing of the lockdown. — Photo by Umair Ali
Shoppers throng a market in Hyderabad on the first day of the easing of the lockdown. — Photo by Umair Ali

This combination of pictures shows (up) a man walking on a deserted street near a closed mosque during a government-imposed nationwide lockdown in Karachi on April 24, and (bottom) commuters making their way along the same street after the government eased the lockdown on May 11. — AFP
This combination of pictures shows (up) a man walking on a deserted street near a closed mosque during a government-imposed nationwide lockdown in Karachi on April 24, and (bottom) commuters making their way along the same street after the government eased the lockdown on May 11. — AFP

People shop from stalls in a market in Karachi. — Reuters
People shop from stalls in a market in Karachi. — Reuters

A shopkeeper waits for customers in a market after the government in Lahore on May 11. — AFP
A shopkeeper waits for customers in a market after the government in Lahore on May 11. — AFP

Women and children shop from a stall in a market in Karachi, May 11. — Reuters
Women and children shop from a stall in a market in Karachi, May 11. — Reuters

Barbers give haircuts to customers in Rawalpindi. — AFP
Barbers give haircuts to customers in Rawalpindi. — AFP

People visit a market after the government relaxed the weeks-long lockdown in Lahore. — AP
People visit a market after the government relaxed the weeks-long lockdown in Lahore. — AP

A general view of road traffic and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) building in the background in Karachi on Monday. — Reuters
A general view of road traffic and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) building in the background in Karachi on Monday. — Reuters

Women shop for shoes at a market in Hyderabad on Monday. — Photo by Umair Ali
Women shop for shoes at a market in Hyderabad on Monday. — Photo by Umair Ali


Header image: A girl walks with her mother for shopping amidst the rush of people in a market in Karachi, May 11. — Reuters