RAWALPINDI: Punjab Law Minister Raja Basharat on Saturday informed cantonment traders that closing time for shops in markets and bazaars will be the same in the federal capital and Rawalpindi.

During a meeting with a delegation of cantonment traders, the minister said that there was dire need to implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) in markets to avoid spread of Covid-19 and in this regard, traders should cooperate with the government.

The delegation, led by association president Sheikh Hafeez and general secretary Zafar Qadri pointed out that the government had allowed shops to close by 10:00pm in Islamabad while the Punjab government forced shopkeepers to close their shops by 6:00pm. They said due to this, people went to shopping malls in Islamabad instead of Rawalpindi’s markets.

On the demand of traders, the provincial minister said that the Punjab government would soon establish Covid-19 Vaccination Centres in cantonment areas, to facilitate residents. He said the third wave of the deadly virus has affected the province badly and there was dire need to implement SOPs in public places and in this regard, the government has sought the help of traders.

The government does not want to close markets which is why people should wear face masks and maintain adequate distance to protect their families and themselves.

Published in Dawn, April 4th, 2021