Altaf Hamid Rao,
MIRPUR (AJK) : Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan on Monday announced a complete lockdown across the state starting midnight for the next three weeks to control the spread of corona virus.
“During this time shopping malls, public transport, public places and tourist spots will remain closed. Educational institutions would continue to be shutdown”, PM told in a video message.
The Prime Minister told that shops of daily routine including vegetables, milk, meat, fruits and medical stores will remain open during the lockdown, while markets, shopping malls and public places will remain close during the aforesaid period. Other than medical stores, all other opened shops would observe timing from 08:00am to 06:00pm. However, there are no time restrictions for the medical stores and pharmacies.
He said that state government had decided to take certain measures that will ensure social distancing and self-quarantine to thwart the emergence of new cases.
Raja Farooq Haider made it clear that this is neither a curfew nor a lockdown situation but a precautionary step to help stop the spread of deadly corona virus.
The inter-provincial, inter-district and intra cities public transport which is already suspended would continue to be banned for the next three weeks. However, government will ensure uninterrupted supply chain of food items and pharma industry.
“Journalists would continue to perform their professional duties with the permission of their relevant Deputy Commissioners”, PM added.
Chief Secretary office, Services and General Administration, Law, Home Department, all offices of Health, Police, Senior Member Board of Revenue, administration, IGP, Information, Local Government, PPH and other local bodies would continue to function during the lockdown.
Municipal services, electricity, water supply, SCO, other cellular companies and banks were directed to function with the minimum staff. Petrol pumps and LPG shops would remain open during the lockdown.
All gathering including religious ceremonies, hotels, and shopping malls would remain close.
The government employees have been directed to keep their CNIC and other passes if issued by their department with them.
The Prime Minister urged public to participate in the funeral ceremonies in minimum numbers and last burial rituals only by the close relatives of the grieved families.
Prime Minister directed concerned authorities to take strict action against those involved in hoarding or profiteers.
He appealed masses to extend full cooperation to the government, observe social distancing and all other precautionary measures suggested by the medical experts to help stop the virus spread.
