Lockdown imposed in public interest: Basharat

Law Minister Raja Basharat has said that the decision of smart lockdown ahead of Eid-ul-Azha was taken in the public interest and the government would continue taking steps to protect the people from Covid-19.
Law Minister Raja Basharat and Chief Secretary Jawwad Rafique Malik on Tuesday paid surprise visits to various parts of the city to review the enforcement of the smart lockdown and arrangements in cattle markets.
The provincial law minister and chief secretary reviewed the situation of smart lockdown in various markets of the city including Liberty and Johar Town and issued instructions to the Lahore CCPO to deploy more police personnel.
They said that the government’s measure helped control the coronavirus pandemic but carelessness could lead to the resurgence of the disease. They said that the smart lockdown is inevitable in the prevailing situation and it would be strictly enforced.
Raja Basharat said that the decision of smart lockdown ahead of Eid-ul-Azha was taken in the public interest and the government would continue taking steps to protect the people from Covid-19.
During the visit to a cattle sale point at the Pine Road, the chief secretary expressed displeasure over the absence of a sample collection team of the Health Department for coronavirus testing.
He warned that the instructions issued must be complied with in letter and spirit as no negligence would be tolerated. The CS had directed the Primary Health Department to set up a special counter for screening at the entry points of every cattle market.
He said that the government’s efforts to control the coronavirus were facing a major challenge on Eid, adding that no compromise could be made on the issue of protection of health and lives of people. He said that there was a risk of coronavirus spread due to rush in the markets before Eid, so a smart lockdown was enforced, keeping in view the experience of Eid-ul-Fitr.
The chief secretary said that collective efforts are needed to eradicate the coronavirus from the country. “The prime minister and Punjab chief minister have appealed to people to celebrate Eid with simplicity. People should consider this Eid as a different one and take all precautionary measures while showing responsibility,” he stated.
He said that the implementation of SOPs in cattle markets should be ensured. He directed that special arrangements be made for cleanliness in these markets and facilities be provided to cattle sellers. He said that only a specific number of buyers should be allowed to enter the cattle markets to ensure social distancing.