RAWALPINDI: Representatives of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) have demanded to revisit the lockdown policy and said that it should be formulated in collaboration with stakeholders.

“The proposed lockdown from May 8 to May 16 is not feasible. The business community has been the hardest hit by coronavirus. We have to make a policy based on the ground realities. The working hours of banks and post offices should also be increased to provide convenience to customers and pensioners,” said RCCI President Nasir Mirza.

“We recommend that shop hours be extended to 24 hours during Ramazan so that customers can shop comfortably. Weekly off for businesses should also be called off. Exporters will facemore difficulty and demurrage charges will be added as the port will be closed for eight days. Reduced working hours will increase the rush in markets and banks,” he added.

Former president and group leader Sohail Altaf said our coronavirus policy is not clear and is based on trial and error. Every year there is more business on Eid, he said, adding like the rest of the world, we also have to run business along with Covid-19. Traders, mainly from SMEs are in deep trouble due to the lockdown.

It was also discussed that vaccination should be increased along with strict implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs), wearing of face masks and social distancing.

Published in Dawn, May 7th, 2021

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.