ISLAMABAD: There is no restriction on opening of commercial centres, markets and shops on Saturdays and Sundays as they have already been permitted to open by following the precautionary measures against the coronavirus.

Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Mohammad Hamza Shafaqaat said markets, shops and commercial centres had earlier been permitted to open from 9am to 7pm.

However, only those shops, markets and commercial centres which are exempted from the restriction are allowed to open, he said, adding the remaining businesses such as restaurants and public and private offices will remain closed.

A further strategy over the lockdown and restriction for the next month will be decided soon, the DC added.

On May 9, the capital administration had extended the lockdown to May 31. But the restrictions were lifted from different activities till May 23.

Future strategy on lockdown, restriction will be decided soon, says DC

Meanwhile, the Cabinet Secretariat/Establishment Division on Friday issued timings for the federal government offices till the first fortnight of June.

A notification said as a part of the measures to contain the spread of coronavirus, the federal government offices shall remain open from 10am to 4pm from Monday to Thursday and 10am to 1pm on Fridays.

The timings shall remain in force till June 15 unless modified or withdrawn earlier, it added.

Moreover, the interior ministry observed that most of the officers and staff were neither attending their offices nor available on mobile as a result important official business is suffering.

A notification said various circulars regarding precautionary measures against the spread of coronavirus had been issued which were being implemented.

“It has been observed by the competent authority that most of the officers and staff are neither attending their offices nor are available on mobile phones with effect from May 20 without any genuine reason/justification or forwarding leave applications, due to which important official business is suffering badly,” it stated, adding all deputy secretaries are hereby advised to furnish certificates duly singed by their concerned section officer conveying the absent position of their staff, including the staff of other departments attached with their offices latest by May 29.

All officers and officials and attached staff of other departments were directed to join their duties failing which disciplinary proceedings shall be initiated against the delinquents and self-availed leaves with effect from March 20 shall be treated as leave without pay and allowances.

H-9 bazaar

Mayor Islamabad Sheikh Anser Aziz on Friday visited the H-9 weekly bazaar and directed shopkeepers to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Aziz said that all weekly bazaars of the city have been re-opened for public ease and facilitation.

“However, the mayor directed observance of all Covid-19 safety SOPs, strictly by shopkeepers & bazaar administration,” Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) said in a statement issued after the mayor’s visit to the bazaar. Aziz was briefed by the bazaar administration that 12 walk-through sanitising gates have been installed at all entry and exit points of the bazaar, in the interest of citizens.

“The bazaar should remain functional, unless otherwise ordered to be closed by the government. There should be continuity of citywide chlorine spray campaign, especially in weekly bazaars for maximum safety of residents in the prevailing situation,” Aziz added.

Talking to Dawn, Aziz said that he was satisfied with the arrangements made by the bazaar administration to avoid spread of coronavirus. All bazaars of the city have been directed to strictly follow SOPs, to avoid spread of coronavirus and also strictly implement rate lists so that public could get daily use items at cheaper rates.

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2020