Deserted streets, silent markets: Pakistani cities go under coronavirus lockdown

Security personnel ensure people do not come out of their homes in groups.

Dawn.com Published March 24, 2020

The roads were empty and the usually bustling markets and bazaars were devoid of customers as cities across Pakistan went under complete or partial lockdowns on Monday to help control the spread of coronavirus.

The only significant presence on the streets was of security personnel, who ensured people do not come out of their homes in groups. Parks and public places were closed as municipal workers disinfected streets.

In Karachi and other Sindh cities, where a sweeping lockdown came into effect Sunday midnight, Rangers and police held a flag march to reinforce the restrictions.

Soldiers wearing facemasks stand guard on a deserted street during a lockdown in Karachi on March 23. — AFP

Labourers walk on a deserted street during a lockdown in Karachi. — AFP

A vendor carries facemasks for sale on a deserted street during a lockdown amid concerns over the spread of Covid-19 in Lahore's old city on March 23. — AFP

Commuters ride on a deserted road during a lockdown in Karachi on Monday. — AFP

Municipals workers spray a solution to disinfect a street in a closed market area during a lockdown in Lahore's old city. — AFP

A policeman checks the identity card of a motorcyclist during a lockdown in Karachi. — AFP

A volunteer sprays disinfectant on the hands of worshippers to help curb the spread of coronavirus outside a mosque in Rawalpindi on Monday. — AP

General view of deserted roads in a business district during a lockdown in Karachi on March 23. — AFP

Security personnel stand guard after the government announced a lockdown in Karachi. — AP

A view of a downtown market seen empty during restrictions in Karachi. — AP

A police officer stops a motorcyclist amid a lockdown in Karachi on Monday. — AP

Header image: A volunteer sprays disinfectant in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus in Peshawar on Monday. — AP

Comments (22) Closed

Ayub

Mar 24, 2020 12:47am

It was a need of hour. This should have been done a month ago. But nevertheless commendable response from Sindh government. I really hated them earlier, but after this step they've restored if not completely, quite a lot of respect. They're bad at a lot of things but the way they understood the gravity and took decisions and this time implementing it in true spirit is good to see. I hope they continue doing this for other administrative steps also.

Recommend 0

Texas Ranger

Mar 24, 2020 12:58am

behold what the rich have done to the poor with their greed

Recommend 0

Chacha

Mar 24, 2020 01:13am

Hats off to the Sind Government for leading the fight. InshaAllah the nation should be able to see the results in a few weeks, let's stay united and help each other. Take care of your family, neighbors and domestic help in need. The employers should not layoff workers , the poor people who made us rich and kept our houses clean for years should not be left alone in these trying times. Few weeks only, we will be stronger than before InshaAllah

Recommend 0

Javed

Mar 24, 2020 01:22am

Limited Martial Law is the only viable option now. Wake Up Pakistan.

Recommend 0

saeeds

Mar 24, 2020 01:58am

It’s essential but total lock down is not sensible idea. Many work can perform if people show Little common sense. Construction and restaurant industry can be Work in Many capacity. Many industries and companies can hire the stand by transport for there employees with strict regulations in there work area.

Recommend 0

Aussie

Mar 24, 2020 02:36am

good job by CM sindh

Recommend 0

Issak

Mar 24, 2020 03:25am

Pakistani scientists should be give tools and laboratories to search for a vaccine or cure for this deadly virus .. they're capable and well educated but this also gives a chance for the government to re- think it's provision of health services to be adequately prepared for any future such pandemics..

Recommend 0

Me-Name

Mar 24, 2020 03:26am

Good work by the government and all the agencies involved. Keep up the good work, and try to find a solution for the daily waged workers.

Recommend 0

Mar 24, 2020 03:49am

@Ayub, people in Western countries too had been imploring their governments to go in lockdown weeks ago. But they didnt even as Italy took a severe hit. Only today UK and Canada are waking up..

Recommend 0

Thuthuri

Mar 24, 2020 05:56am

Imran Khan has failed

Recommend 0

Pervez Iqbal

Mar 24, 2020 08:46am

@Thuthuri, NO..we all have failed

Recommend 0

Akshay

Mar 24, 2020 09:14am

@Thuthuri, differences aside, it is actually the right move. Break the community spread chain as fast as you can.

Recommend 0

klm

Mar 24, 2020 10:17am

Is it really a necessity to deploy gun totting policemen to ward off people who ignorantly roaming the streets?

Recommend 0

Fastrack

Mar 24, 2020 11:03am

@Akshay, Bro, you are a common man. He is a paid troll. Understand his problem please.

Recommend 0

tahir

Mar 24, 2020 11:53am

The Sindh goverment has risen to the occasion. .Unfortunately the federal government has not. And anyone who points out the obvious is promptly dubbed a paid troll.

Recommend 0

Arun Menon

Mar 24, 2020 12:58pm

Please be at home and don't panic.. there are so many rumours..but staying at home and breaking the chain is the only solution. Like China and India is showing...

Recommend 0

Owais Khan

Mar 24, 2020 01:05pm

Please start praying Salat and start reciting Astagfar

Recommend 0

Arun Menon

Mar 24, 2020 01:26pm

@Owais Khan, yes please pray for the world..but at home

Recommend 0

Nadeem Janjuah

Mar 24, 2020 01:45pm

@Ayub, out of many issues if they have addressed this issue does not make them saints. They are in Government and it is their duty to take actions. Good to appreciate them but dont get carried away on the basic duties and actions.

Recommend 0

CrisDan

Mar 24, 2020 02:00pm

@Thuthuri, no. We are still in better shape than Europe and USA.

Recommend 0

CrisDan

Mar 24, 2020 02:02pm

@Owais Khan, and isolate urself from gatherings.Also avoid any personal contact with anyone and everyone.

Recommend 0

Ibrahim S

Mar 24, 2020 06:13pm

Government's ineffective and confusing statement didn't convoy the social distancing. These poor people are doing their best bur someone has to explain it to them in their mother language that they understand.

Recommend 0

NewsKit Publishing Platform