Lockdown will be lifted in phases from Saturday, PM announces

• He said decision to ease lockdown is because people are suffering.
• He chaired a NCC meeting earlier today.

Following the National Coordination Committee (NCC) meeting in Islamabad today, Imran Khan announced that lockdown will be lifted in phases from May 9. 

In his address, the PM said labourers, ordinary people, and small business had suffered a lot due to lockdown, which prompted the government to ease the lockdown. He said construction sector has already opened and from today various sectors relating to the construction industry will also be opened.

The PM urged people to take responsibility, and follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the government. He said whoever leaves his home and all industries that are allowed to reopen will have to follow the SOPs.

Regarding transport, the PM said he believes public transport should be reopened as it is the common man's mode of transport. He said the provinces however, have reservations so transport will not be opened.

Planning Minister Asad Umar said small markets and shops will be allowed to open from Fajar to 5 p.m. He said the entire business, except outlets of essential items like food and medicines will remain closed in two days of the week.

Minister for Industries and Production Hammad Azhar said that it has been decided to open allied industries of the construction sector, which include paint and pipe mills, tiles, electrical and industry and hardware stores across Pakistan.