No decision taken to open wedding halls, cafes in Karachi: Commissioner

KARACHI: Commissioner Karachi Iftikhar Shallwani has refuted the reports and said that Sindh government has not taken any decision regarding the opening of gyms, restaurants, wedding halls and parks in the metropolis.

The statement came a day after the federal government announced to reopen restaurants, cinemas, theatres and parks from August 10. “The decision in this regard will be taken after approval from provincial task force headed by Sindh Chief Minister,” he added.

A day earlier, Federal Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar announced that the federal government has decided to reopen restaurants, cinemas, theatres and parks from August 10.

Addressing a press conference, the federal minister informed that the decision was approved by the National Coordination Committee (NCC). “We are seeing the fruit of our efforts and receiving international praise,” he added.

Karachi commissioner also directed to immediately remove billboards and other advertisement material from the city’s streets in order to avoid loss of human life and damage to property.

He directed the concerned authorities to remove these boards in line with an earlier Supreme Court order and submit daily reports on the matter to the commissioner’s office.

Earlier today (Friday), two motorcyclists were injured when a large billboard came loose and collapsed on them near Metropole Hotel during heavy rainfall.