Minister announces closure of major offices, businesses till April 3

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister, Ijaz Ahmad Shah announced the closure of major public dealing offices and businesses till April 3 (15-days) from today to stop further spread of coronavirus.

According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and passport offices will remain closed for public dealing firstly for a period of 15 days as protective steps against the spread of the coronavirus.

The notification instructed the concerned officials to take essential measures to extend the validity period of computerized national identity cards for local citizens and overseas Pakistanis and passports that might be expiring during the closure time.

Furthermore, the notification further stated that property dealing office, excise and taxation office, beauty parlors, and saloons across the country would also remain close for the above-mentioned date.

It also instructed the restaurants and shopping malls to close the latest by 2200 hours. While the ministry approved a strategy for the public employees for the same phase asking all the ministries and divisions to classify their staff for an important task and ensuring their attendance in the office.

It said the employees over 50-years of age might be allowed to work from home as well as those with illness or facing health issues.