Strict lockdown on Eid-ul-Adha holidays: New restrictions on business activities announced in Punjab and Islamabad


On the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, the Punjab government has issued orders to tighten the partial restrictions already imposed across the province for the next nine days in view of fears of possible spread of Corona.

On the other hand, the administration of the federal capital Islamabad has also announced new measures to curb the possible influx of tourists from across the country on the occasion of Eid, including the closure of the Murree Expressway connecting the popular tourist destinations. Includes recreation, picnic spots and hotel closures.

According to a notification issued by the Punjab government, the new restrictions will initially apply from July 28 to August 5.

It may be recalled that the concerned Federal Ministers including the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan have repeatedly expressed their concerns that if precaution is not taken on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha at the public level, the spread of Corona in the country could increase to dangerous levels.

What will be closed under the new order?


According to the notification, all kinds of business centers including beauty parlors, shopping malls, shopping plazas and retail shops will remain closed during the next nine days.

However, grocery stores, bakeries, vegetable and fruit shops, meat and dairy shops and ovens will be allowed to open from 6am to 12pm.

Pakistan, photo source EPA
In addition, there will be a complete ban on the opening of educational institutions including training institutes, wedding halls, business centers, expo centers, restaurants (except takeaways and home delivery), public and theme parks, playgrounds, cinemas and theaters. ۔

According to the notification, all kinds of sports competitions, whether in open fields or in closed spaces, will be banned for the next nine days.

Social and religious celebrations will also be banned in all kinds of private and public places.

What will be open 24 hours?


According to the notification, medical stores, pharmacies, tire puncture shops, flour mills, courier services, drivers' hotels, petrol pumps, agricultural machinery workshops and printing presses will be exempted from the ban. Call centers will be able to operate 24 hours a day with 50% of their staff.

Similarly, inner city and inner district public transport will also run throughout the day.

What will be closed in Islamabad?

A message from Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Hamza Shafqat on social networking site Twitter said that all entertainment venues in the federal capital would remain completely closed from today (Monday) till the end of Eid holidays.

Urging the people to show patience on the occasion of Eid, the Deputy Commissioner said, And the hill stations will be closed.

He asked the people not to plan any tourism or sightseeing at present.

Why are these steps being taken?

It may be recalled that in the last 24 hours, 1176 people have been diagnosed with corona virus in Pakistan while 20 people have died due to this epidemic in this period.

In a statement issued yesterday, Federal Minister Asad Omar said that the next three weeks are of utmost importance for Corona and if precautions are not taken on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha and Muharram, Will have to be tolerated in case of spread.

Pakistan, Photo source AFP
On Monday morning, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan and Federal Minister Asad Umar held a press conference and appealed to the people to celebrate Eid with simplicity.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Jan has said that there are fears of an epidemic on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, so people should be careful, people should celebrate Eid simply and in their homes. This should be done and implementation of SOPs should be ensured on the occasion of Eid.

The Chief Minister said that it has been decided at the government level to celebrate this Eid with simplicity.

On the occasion, Asad Omar said that due to effective and timely measures taken by the government, the number of corona cases across the country has come down significantly, but the risk of epidemic still exists so caution is very important.