Islamabad: The various industries which were exempted from the coronavirus lockdown have reopened on Wednesday while other sectors will remain closed for two more weeks as per the federal government’s instructions.
According to media reports the industries which have been exempted from the lockdown include Cement and fertilizer plants, Mines and minerals, Chemical manufacturing plants, Agricultural machinery and equipment producing units, Industries with site-accommodated labor, Paper and packaging units, Glass manufacturing units, All export industries with export orders confirmed by Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, E-commerce export and local deliveries of essential products, Software development and programming firms, Laundry and dry cleaning services, Plant nurseries, Veterinary services, and Book and stationary shops.
However, all these sectors must adhere to the already provided standard operating procedures (SOPs). Furthermore, the professions on which the provincial and federal governments had differing opinions include electricians, plumbers, tailors, carpenters and street vendors.
The federal government allowed them to operate on the prerogative of the provincial governments. All provincial governments excluding Sindh agreed to allow these professionals to work.