QUETTA: The additional secretary general of the ruling Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), Syed Hasnain Hashmi, has called upon the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) to allow markets to remain open round the clock to counteract overcrowding which is seen at the shopping centres due to the existing policy of restricted business timings.

In a statement on Wednesday, Mr Hashmi said that if enforced the suggested policy will help prevent overcrowding at markets and thus reduce the chances of spread of coronavirus in the country.

He said overcrowded markets amid pre-Eid season could invariably cause a surge in Covid-19 cases and result in a national emergency.

The BAP leader said that the federal government and the NCOC should revisit their policy and allow markets to remain open 24 hours in order to avoid overcrowding. He also said that traders, shopkeepers and retailers were the most vulnerable community exposed to infections.

The BAP leader said the government should also start a mass vaccination campaign for traders and shopkeepers.

He emphasised that the business community should run mask wearing campaigns for themselves and as well as customers. Such an act can turn out to be an effective measure against the spread of coronavirus.

He said that given the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan, the country could not afford a complete lockdown. Therefore, he added, the business community and the government should act in concert with each other by adopting such measures, thus balancing the spread of Covid-19 and thwarting the financial crunch on vulnerable segments of society.

Published in Dawn, May 6th, 2021