Parts of Karachi Saddar Market have been sealed over failure of shopkeepers to comply with standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the government to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Some of the markets that have been sealed include Zainab Market, Victoria Market, International Market and Gul Plaza on M.A Jinnah Road according to the Saddar Assistant Commissioner who was out on patrol reviewing the situation of these markets.
Read more: Sindh lockdown may be tightened if SOPs not followed: CM Shah.
According to sources, there were also arguments between police and shopkeepers who claimed that all SOPs were being followed that were issued by the Sindh Government businesses were allowed to operate on the condition of strictly following precautions which included not more than three customers allowed inside the shops with a distance of at least four to five feet between customers.
However, the condition of Karachi Saddar market included shops that were packed with customers on top of each other in total disregard of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the government.
Similar situation has been found in Punjab where major markets in Lahore and Rawalpindi are violating the standard operating procedures (SOPs). According to sources, the markets may be closed by the government in a decision later today.
Read more: Sindh Govt restricts religious gatherings to curb COVID-19 spread.
