KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Information Syed Nasir Hussain Shah has said restrictions of the lockdown will remain imposed in the province till May 31.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday flanked by Adviser on Law to Sindh Chief Minister Barrister Murtaza Wahab, he asked how the lockdown could be relaxed at a time when the number of coronavirus patients was increasing.

At the beginning of the press conference, prayers were offered for the victims of the coronavirus and PIA plane crash and one minute silence was observed.

The minister said that every possible help should be extended to all those who lost their loved ones and their homes in the plane crash.

Dispelling the impression that there was not enough space in Sindh hospitals to accommodate people infected with the coronavirus, he said that apart from the Jinnah and Civil hospitals, there was ample space in the Karachi Expo Centre where coronavirus patients were being taken care of.

He told reporters that parliamentary parties had agreed on standard operating procedures (SOPs) for holding a Sindh Assembly session.

The minister said an investigation into the alleged murder of journalist Zulfiqar Mandrani was under way and the facts would be presented before the press soon.

Along with the freedom of the press, protection of the lives and property of journalists was also the responsibility of the provincial government, he observed and vowed that the Sindh government would provide full protection to newsmen.

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2020