Opening of markets: SC intervened due to wrong policies of Sindh government: Mayor

Mayor Karachi Wasim Akhtar Monday said that due to wrong policies of Sindh Government, the apex court had to intervene and order opening of markets.

The people came out in large numbers on same time as the markets timing was too short but still it was the government's responsibility to ensure implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).

The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation was not provided any sort of assistance either by the federal or provincial government to cope with coronavirus. Politics should not be played on issues pertaining to masses' service.

Akhtar passed these remarks while talking to media after receiving personal protection equipments donated by Dua Foundation for Gorkans (grave diggers) of KMC graveyards.

Deputy Mayor Arshad Hussain, Senior Director Coordination Masood Alam, Senior Director Medical Services Dr Salma Kausar, Dua Foundation Chairman Amir Khan, Secretary Dr Fayyaz Alam, member governing body and other officials were also present on the occasion.

The Mayor said that the courts intervene when concerned departments are not allowed to do their job. "The federal and provincial governments have failed to cope with the current situation and both tiers are accusing each other and left people alone," he added.

Akhtar said that elected representatives are not taken on board, adding that their services would have been vital in efforts to combat the coronavirus. There are 14 hospitals of KMC which were not taken on panel by Sindh government neither any sort of assistance was provided.

"We have established four filter clinics on our own and allocate separate graveyards for those who die of coronavirus," he said. To a question, the Mayor said that the donated equipments included preventive kits, facemasks and shields that would be provided to graveyards staffers. The KMC face financial crisis, he said and asked NGOs to come forward and help the needy people.

Akhtar also thanked Dua Foundation for its support and said that other NGOs should also come forward and help the needy people.

Speaking on the occasion, Dua Foundation Chairman Amir Khan said that they stand besides Mayor and facilitating KMC hospitals. The KMC would be provided more assistance so that it could continue serving the masses. This is the time to help each other and we could overcome the current situation with joint efforts.