Former Senior Vice President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry and President Punjab Dyes and Chemicals Merchants Association (Lahore Chapter) Khawaja Khawar Rashid has expressed deep concern over repeated promulgation of complete lockdown by the ministers and advisors.

In a statement, Khawaja Khawar Rashid said that the ministers and advisors of the government should avoid spread fear and panic among the people.

He said that Coronavirus is a fact that will not end soon, so instead of shutting down the businesses, the government should adopt positive thinking.

He said that after the first wave of coronavirus, trade and industry across the country suffered heavily and still is unable to come out of the shocks. But the government has imposed forced decision of early closure of markets intimating for complete lockdown.

Khawaja Khawar Rashid said that closing the markets at 6 was not a logical decision. The shortest working hours have forced people to do shopping in panic which has resulted in a huge rush in the markets but decision-makers are unable to understand the situation.  

He said that instead of repeatedly announcing lockdowns and opening of markets for a limited time, the government should strictly enforce SOPs and allow markets to open for 24 hours which will make the situation much better.

He said that it is important to control coronavirus but at the same time, business activities are parallel important.