IN these critical times when many cities are under lockdown, the office of the deputy commissioner of Islamabad flouted the coronavirus protocols and gave a go-ahead for the grand opening of a supermarket in Gulberg on Nov 20.

All the leading shopping malls have since failed to take precautionary measures. Most of the brands offered discounts from Nov 20-22 when people were seen violating the standard operating procedures (SOPs) despite the fact that there were hordes of people roaming around.

Though the outlets have displayed ‘no entry without mask’ signs for the public, their employees were found not wearing the masks themselves.

The government appears helpless in ensuring strict implementation of the SOPs and just imposes fines on small stores, while the people of the twin cities rush to the large malls. The relevant authorities should take notice before it gets too late.

Shaheryar Hassan
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, December 3rd, 2020