Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar said on Thursday that the decision to ease lockdown in a phased manner has been taken with collective consultation and unanimous decisions have also been taken in order to bring ease and facilitation in the lives of common man.
"The Punjab government has taken decisions with unanimity with the federal government and other provinces," he said, adding: "Decision has been taken to allow functioning of industries linked with construction and concerned shops and permission will also be granted to open more industries and concerned businesses."
The CM highlighted that industries comprising pipe mills, ceramics, sanitary wares, paints, electrical cables, switch boards, steel, aluminium and other shops will also be allowed to operate. Hardware stores will also be opened and it has been decided to open small markets and small shops across the province, he stated.
The CM maintained that small markets and small shops would remain open from early Fajar time till 5 pm in the evening. He further underscored that small markets and small shops getting opened will remain close for two days in a week. He added that two days enforcement of closure will not be applied on the already opened pharmacies, medical stores, milk shops, Kiryana stores, Tandoors, bakeries and other shops. He further disclosed that it has also been decided to open OPDs of hospitals.
Usman Buzdar urged the masses and citizens to fully cooperate with the government in the perspective of its decision to ease lockdown. He emphasized that "we have to safeguard lives of the people of the province and also have to resolve problems of common man."
Vice-chairman Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission Waseem Akhtar Ramay called on CM Sardar Usman Buzdar and discussed the solution of problems faced by overseas Pakistanis in the wake of coronavirus pandemic including the facilities provided to them in quarantine centres.
The CM allowed that passengers could order takeaway meals during their stay in hotels and quarantine centres. Likewise, action will be initiated in case of complaints about expensive or substandard food.
It was decided that Overseas Pakistanis Commission would be allowed access to the passengers staying at hotels and quarantine centres. Necessary matters will be settled soon in this regard. The OPC officials will contact the passengers to help solve their problems.
The CM said that many expatriates have been deprived of their livelihood opportunities due to the ongoing pandemic. Therefore, the government will consider providing relief to the Pakistanis earning their livelihood work permit abroad. In this regard, line departments have been asked to devise a relief package, he added. The CM observed that OPC's role is very important in this situation, adding that "taking care of Pakistanis coming from abroad is our responsibility."
The CM ensured that the standard of facilities in hotels and quarantine centres would be further improved. He also expressed the deep sense of sorrow over the death of Pakistanis due to coronavirus in different countries. Waseem Akhtar stated that OPC was ready to serve the Pakistanis coming from abroad, adding that they would not be left alone in any difficult moment.
Moreover, the CM announced a special grant for cultural and literary bodies affected due to lockdown and coronavirus and also approved the release of funds to them.
They has directed the information and culture department to early provide approved funds to the said bodies.
In a statement, he maintained that every segment of life is affected by lockdown, adding the government was obligated to fulfil their needs. The Punjab government appreciates the role played by different bodies for the promotion of literature and it will continue assisting them. The literary and cultural activities will be promoted than ever before upon betterment in the situation, he further said.
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