Pakistan: No more Eid shopping as Karachi police seal major markets
MARKETS SHUT AS TRADERS, SHOPPERS FAIL TO FOLLOW SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Assistant Editor
Karachi police have sealed some major markets in the city for blatant violations of Covid-19 guidelines set by the government before easing the lockdown.
The crowded markets and shops in the busiest and most popular shopping areas including the famous Zainab Market were shut down after the shopkeepers failed to follow the safety protocols to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
As the lockdown was eased on May 9, masses thronged the bazaars, shops and markets with massive traffic jams on the roads in big cities. People did not bother to follow the standard operational procedures (SOPs) set by the government as condition before lifting the lockdown.
No masks or gloves
According to media reports, people were seen shopping rubbing their shoulders the markets and most of them were not even wearing masks. Markets become busier during Ramadan for Eid shopping.
Taking notice of the violations, city police inspected the major markets and took legal action against shopkeepers for flouting the Covid-19 guidelines, reported Geo TV. Police shut down the most popular shopping areas of Saddar including Zainab Market and Madina City Mall. Police also sealed Victoria Market, International Market, Gul Plaza and Arham Shopping Centre.
Social distancing
According to Assistant Commissioner Asma Batool, the shopkeepers were neither wearing masks or gloves, nor using sanitisers. Following the action, the traders also protested against the shutting down of shops and raised slogans against the district administration.
Videos that have gone viral on social media clearly show no social distancing protocol was followed in the markets, shops and even during the traders’ protest.
Meanwhile, Sindh government has introduced an ordinance to ensure implementation of the Covid-19 guidelines. According to the ordinane, theose found violating of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other coronavirus lockdown restrictions will be slapped with a fine of Pak Rs1 million.