RAWALPINDI: To ensure the ban on the entry of tourists to Murree from May 8 to 16, the City Traffic Police have established 13 checkposts with the deployment of 136 officials.

A spokesman for the traffic police said in addition to the district police, 136 traffic staff had been deployed in the checkpoints to enforce the lockdown. The traffic staff will perform duty in three shifts.

To enforce the lockdown, three deputy superintendents, 15 inspectors, 10 traffic assistants, including 108 wardens, will be on duty with the district police in the pickets round the clock. Only local people would be allowed entry after checking of their national identity cards.

Rai Mazhar Iqbal, Chief Traffic Officer, said the locals would be allowed entry after ensuring they wear face masks and the vehicles have 50 per cent occupancy.

The violators will be fined and legal action will be taken against them.

He said the traffic police were creating public awareness through electronic, print and social media regarding the government orders during the lockdown.The traffic police have warned transporters to strictly follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to halt the spread of Covid-19.

He said extra wardens will be deployed at the exit and entry points and bus stands.

The entry of inter-provincial transport will be banned, while inter-city transport, including private vehicles, taxis and rickshaws will be allowed to ply with 50pc passengers. All the passengers and drivers will have to wear masks.

Published in Dawn, May 8th, 2021