Sindh Governor Imran Ismail said the federal government has no objection if the provincial government wants to reopen shops in Karachi during the coronavirus lockdown.
The governor’s remarks came as he met with a delegation of All-City Tajir Ittehad at the Governor House on Tuesday.
“The federal government will provide support and any assistance required from the federation for the reopening of the markets in Karachi during the lockdown,” the governor said.
He assured the delegation that the Centre was willing to assist at any level required by the small traders to reopen shops in the city.
Imran Ismail said the federal government was aware of the problems being faced by the small traders due to the prolonged shutdown of the markets.
“I am in favour of reopening the markets in the city. I will contact the chief minister to convey to him the reservations of the small traders in this regard as the 18th constitutional amendment gives power to the provincial governments,” he said.
The governor added the spread of the virus had emerged as a national issue and that the prime minister had been doing all he could to tackle the problem.
The delegation members informed the governor about issues being faced by small traders due to the shutdown of the markets.
The meeting also discussed the standard operating procedures adopted by the provincial government for reopening of the shops in the city during the COVID-19 lockdown.
