LAHORE: The police and army jointly took action in the city and got the heavily crowded Kareem Block market in Iqbal Town and others closed here on Monday. Many shopkeepers were also arrested for running their businesses in violation of the Covid guidelines as well as people not wearing face masks. The major interventions were made in Iqbal Town, Ichhra and Wahdat Road where joint teams of the police, district government, Pakistan Army and Rangers got shops and markets closed that were open beyond the 6pm deadline.
The law enforcement agencies maintained effective patrolling to ensure enforcement of coronavirus standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the safety of citizens. CCPO warns anyone not wearing a mask will be sent behind bars
Moreover, all divisional units of the Lahore police along with contingents of the army, Rangers, Dolphin Squad, Police Response Unit, Elite Force, traffic police and Ababeel Squad conducted flag marches on major roads of the city, including Qartaba Chowk, Chowburji, Iqbal Town, Ferozepur Road, Davis Road and The Mall, to create a sense of security among the people and awareness regarding coronavirus.
Meanwhile, addressing a press conference, Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Ghulam Mahmood Dogar and Commissioner retired Capt Muhammad Usman said drastic measures had become indispensable to safeguard the society from the threats of coronavirus. Mr Dogar warned that those not wearing face masks in public will have to face the music as it had been declared a cognisable offense in the wake of the dangerous spread of the infection.
“Anyone not wearing a mask will be sent behind bars,” he asserted, adding that society should take coronavirus seriously. All bazaars, wholesale and retail and other markets, business centres and shopping areas will be made to close by 6pm and joint teams of the police, army, Rangers and district government patrol markets at 4pm on a regular basis to inform the public and traders to close all their business activities on time.
The CCPO said the condition of 50 per cent staff in private and public organisations will definitely help reduce the rush in shopping centres and markets and subsequently lessen the chances of people getting infected by the virus. He said in the wake of the critical situation arising out of the pandemic, complete implementation on the joint patrolling plan will be ensured by all the law enforcement agencies. The joint teams patrolled different areas of the city to ensure enforcement of the SOPs and whether shops and other businesses were following the time restrictions.
Strict legal action will be taken against those who violated the guidelines of wearing masks and following the business operations schedule, the CCPO concluded.
(Daily Dawn)
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