Federal Minister for Planning and Chairman of NCOC (National Command and Operation Centre) Asad Umar on Tuesday (14 September) announced that the educational institutes are to be re-opened in 5 districts of Punjab and 1 district of KPK (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) with effect from September 16.
The chairman of the NCOC revealed that they had previously imposed stringent limitations on 24 districts around the country. Now, out of those 24, only six districts will face tight limitations, while the remainder has been granted exemptions.
He said, “These six districts [where strict restrictions will continue to remain] are Lahore, Faislabad, Multan, Gujrat, Sargodha, and Bannu districts.” In addition, he said, “Inter-city transport was earlier banned altogether from these districts. Now, buses can resume inter-city transport by accommodating 50% capacity of passengers.”
Asad Umar also said that educational institutes in these six districts will re-open with 50% class attendance from September 16.
Asad Umar clarified that indoor dining would remain banned, however, outdoor dining will be open till 10:00 pm. He said, “We have extended the time for outdoor dining till midnight. Indoor dining at restaurants, however, will remain banned.”
The NCOC chief has decided to allow all outdoor activities but with a restriction capacity of 400 people. He said recreational spots will be opened, whereas amusement parks will only be opened for vaccinated people.
Asad Umar said, “We have witnessed that the fourth wave is decreasing in intensity as time passes.” He added, “It is vital that we see an increase in the vaccination process. As you know, we had set huge targets in Pakistan’s large cities, to vaccinate fully 40% of Pakistan’s population of 15 years and above.”
Umar stated that the only way to remove these limits is to get vaccinated. He added, “We won’t be placing restrictions on businesses. However, restrictions will be imposed on the individual who does not get himself vaccinated.”
The NCOC has clarified that the institutions will not be closed again.
The NCOC noted that the decision to review the imposed limits would be conveyed through official means, meaning that social media reports should be ignored.
It is to make sure that people do not take notice of fake news which circulates on social media.
Shafqat Mehmood Federal Minister of Education also tweeted on Monday (13 September) that “educational institutions should reopen as soon as possible.”
