KP eases lockdown, allows shops to open four days a week

PESHAWAR: While the government announced to ease lockdown restrictions, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has decided that all shops will open four days a week and all businesses will be closed at 4PM evening.

Addressing a press conference, Advisor to chief minister on information Ajmal Wazir said that all shops will remain closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday while businesses will be instructed to close by 4PM.

He said that it will be the responsibility of traders to implement the SOPs issued for opening shops in the province. He added that the government will further ease lockdown restrictions if people cooperate by adopting safety measures.

Yesterday, Ajmal Wazir said shops will open for five days a week and remains closed on the weekends, while industries and the construction sector will be opened in phases.

He said the provincial government will follow the federal government’s instructions regarding reopening of education institutes. He said the government has been holding talks with stakeholders on the resumption of inter-city transport.

Earlier today, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Health Taimur Jhagra said that the number of coronavirus cases will continue to rise while the death rate is stable. The health minister said that the government is trying its best to ease the lockdown while containing the risk of virus spread.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had announced to phased ease in lockdown restrictions from Saturday, May 9 to mitigate the suffering of the people.

Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar announced on Thursday that small markets and neighbourhoods shops will be allowed to open from sunrise till 5PM. He added the markets and other businesses, except shops selling essential items like food and medicine, will remain closed two days a week.