KARACHI: The businessmen on Friday rejected the decision of the Sindh government to impose a complete lockdown for the prevention of coronavirus spread in the province, a statement said.

Mian Nasir Hayat Maggo, president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), urged the Sindh government to review the decision.

The Sindh government decided to impose a complete lockdown from August 2, 2021 in the wake of the alarming spread of the Delta variant during the fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

The FPCCI president suggested the industry should be allowed to remain operational seven days a week. Further, restaurants and eateries should be allowed takeaway and delivery round-the-clock, he said.

Maggo said that the grocery stores should be allowed to remain open till 8:00pm, adding that Karachi, which is the commercial hub of the country, should be exempted from complete lockdown.

The FPCCI president said in case of industry closure, the employers would not be able to pay salaries to their employees.

In another statement, Zubair Motiwala, chairman of the Businessmen Group (BMG) and former president of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), said that complete lockdown was not a solution.

The cases would rise after lifting the lockdown, he said, adding: “Deterrence against coronavirus pandemic will only be created through vaccination and strict implementation of SOPs.”

The provincial government should implement vaccination instead of closing down everything.

Motiwala said that the complete lockdown had repercussions on the poor segments of the society. “Small traders and daily wagers will be adversely affected due to the lockdown,” he added.

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