LAHORE: All businesses will be allowed to operate from 8am to 10pm but clinics, pharmacies and groceries have been exempted from the timing, says an official handout.

A decision to the effect was taken here on Thursday in a meeting held on the instructions of Chief Minister Usman Buzdar.

Law Minister Raja Basharat chaired the meeting and Minister for Industries Aslam Iqbal, the chief secretary, additional chief secretary (home), the industries secretary and other respective officials were also present on the occasion.

The meeting not only approved new timing for businesses and trade centres but also decided to send recommendations to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) to soften restrictions.

It noted that though the Covid-19 was receding, it did not mean lowering the guards and decided that wearing mask in bazaars and markets would stay compulsory.

Meanwhile, the chief minister expressed displeasure over accumulation of rainwater in Lahore and other cities of the province and directed the authorities concerned to complete the drainage of water at the earliest and also submit a report to him.

The CM contacted Wasa officials and the administration and directed them to remain in the field. All-out resources should be utilised for drainage of rainwater and no negligence would be tolerated in this regard, he said.

Similarly, the chief minister directed that smooth flow of traffic should also be ensured adding that traffic officials, Wasa and representatives of the administration should remain available in the field during rain.

“Why prior arrangements were not made and stagnant water was not removed for many hours as rains were expected,” he said.

He directed that Wasa should give particular attention to the removal of water from thoroughfares as well as link roads.

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2020