NCOC Goes Over Mobility Control Measures for the Upcoming Eid Holidays

On Sunday, a special session was called by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) to talk about the implementation of mobility control measures all across Pakistan from the 8th of May to the 16th of May. The government and relevant authorities hope to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus during the upcoming Eid holidays. 

The session was chaired by the Chief of NCOC, Asad Umar, as well as Lieutenant General Hamood-Uz-Zaman Khan, the National Coordinator. Chief Secretaries belonging to all provinces were also present at the meeting. 

Umar took to the micro-blogging website, Twitter, to inform about the discussions that took place during the meeting. He stated that the Chief Secretaries of all Federating Units were reminded to ensure that all tourist destinations were closed from the 8th of May till the 16th of May. He discouraged people from making any trips to these areas, saying that they will be turned back. 

Moreover, all businesses, shops, and markets will stay shut during these holidays. However, essential services, such as pharmacies, medical stores, grocery stores, vaccination centers, medical facilities, petrol pumps, fruit, chicken, meat, and vegetable shops, bakeries, food takeaways, and media will remain open. In addition, utility services, such as natural gas, cellular, electricity, internet, and call centers will also be allowed to operate. 

An NCOC statement released shortly after the meeting stated that a complete ban is being placed on tourism for both, outsiders and locals. During the time period of 8th till 16th May, all tourist resorts, public parks, informal and formal picnic spots, and shopping malls will stay closed. Any restaurants and hotels located in the vicinity of picnic or tourist spots were also instructed to remain shut during this time. 

Furthermore, the NCOC stated that all bookings in hotels have consequently been cancelled. A ban has additionally been placed on public transport, whether it is inter-city, intra-city, or inter-provincial. However, taxis, private vehicles, as well as rickshaws will be allowed to operate with only 50% occupancy. 

The forum went on to show concern for all the violations that had been reported in various cities. It instructed all the representatives of the provinces to make sure that the guidelines are adhered to and there is complete administrative control.