Punjab govt imposes smart lockdowns in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan

On Nov 10, 2020 Last updated Oct 4, 2021

Men and children wear protective masks along a street, blocked by barriers, after Pakistani authorities announced to re-impose lockdowns in selected areas in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Karachi, Pakistan June 18, 2020. REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro

The Punjab government on Tuesday announced it had imposed smart lockdowns in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan, as cases of the novel virus continued to surge.

The development takes place a day after Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, a senior aide to the Punjab chief minister, said the provincial government is moving towards smart lockdowns.

In the three cities, all markets, shopping malls, restaurants and office (public and private) will remain closed. The notification also bans movement of people to and from these areas by public and private transport – only one person per vehicle to and from shall be allowed movement to avail exempted facilities.

The government has also banned gatherings of all kinds – social and religious.

The timings for exempted facilities are listed below:

Grocery stores, fruit and vegetable shops: 9:00am to 7:00pm

Medical stores and pharmacies: 24/7

Dairy and meat shops: 7:00am to 7:00pm