LAHORE: Motorists remained stuck for hours on different roads of the city on Monday after the Pakistan Restaurants Unity Association (PRUA) held sits-in at several points in protest at the implementation of coronavirus standard operating procedures (SOPs).

The PRUA opened roads after the government allowed outdoor dining.

The PRUA and workers of restaurants blocked roads at Liberty Chowk, Iqbal Town outside Moon Market, Johar Town at Shadiwal Chowk. They were protesting a ban on indoor and outdoor dining in restaurants.

Thousands of motorists and people remained trapped on different roads of the city due to road blockade. Several ambulances were also seen struck. Women and children were also seen leaving vehicles and crossing the sit-in on foot.

Meanwhile, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has announced a number of new restrictions for the cities where the positivity rate is more than eight per cent. The NCOC, however, eased dining options and allowed outdoor dining on hotel premises till 10pm and takeaways.

PRUA Chairman Aamir Rafique Qureshi told Dawn that after the NCOC allowed outdoor dining in the restaurants, they opened roads in the country.

He said the decision would provide relief to the workers and owners of the restaurants and they would ensure implementation of the coronavirus SOPs. He said a complete lockdown was not a sustainable option and it would result in demoralising the business community and would also leave negative impacts on the economy.

Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2021