LAHORE: The Punjab government on Saturday formally granted permission to resume inter-city and inter-district transport besides announcing a 20 per cent cut in transport fare.

In the wake of reduction in petroleum prices, the Punjab government has directed transport owners to reduce their fares by 20pc.

The government also decided to allow online and app-based transport services to operate. However, all public transport companies will be required to ensure implementation of the laid down standard operating procedures (SOPs). Wearing masks have also been made mandatory for passengers, drivers and conductors. Passengers will be required to observe proper distance.

Chief Minister Usman Buzdar said the well-to-do were travelling in their vehicles but transport service for the poor was shut that multiplied their difficulties. Realising the difficulties of the common man, he said, the government had decided to allow inter-city and inter-district transport services after approving the recommendations of the steering committee.

CM formally allows to resume public transport, seeks separate strategy by next week for Jumatul Wida, Al Quds Day, Eid

He said SOPs evolved for maintaining social distance at bus stands would be observed and buses disinfected after reaching their destinations.

CABINET COMMITTEE: The government also decided to open mega shopping malls under SOPs.

Powerlooms have also been given permission to operate, however, the industries department will take measures to ensure the implementation on SOPs.

The government also decided to allow communal service in churches on Sundays under the SOPs.

The decisions were taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on coronavirus held through video link and chaired by Chief Minister Buzdar at his office on Saturday.

Mr Buzdar said the coronavirus threat was not over yet and there was a need to be more careful. He directed to evolve a separate strategy forJumatul Wida, Al Quds Day andEidul Fitrand sought a final plan by next week.

Provincial ministers Basharat Raja, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Mian Aslam Iqbal, Fayyazul Hassan Chohan, the chief secretary, the inspector general of police, additional chief secretary (home), Lahore commissioner, secretaries of finance, specialised healthcare, primary and secondary healthcare, industry and information departments and other authorities concerned attended the meeting.

Finance Minister Hashim Jawan Bakht, military officials, the local government secretary, the Urban Unit head, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority director general, the secretaries of planning and development, labour, agriculture and food departments and the Punjab Information Technology Board chairman participated in the meeting via video link.

Published in Dawn, May 17th, 2020