KARACHI: The federal government has announced that banks will remain operational on May 10-11, while customs and ports would remain functional for an additional day till May 12, changing the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday schedule by the government.
Previously the government had announced a ten-day holiday for all offices, businesses and industries. The reversal in the decision came after the Federation of Pakistan Chamber for Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) informed the government of the loss such a holiday schedule would cause to businesses and industries.
The FPCCI contacted the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to inform Abdul Razak Dawood, Governor SBP, and Chairman FBR of the grave concerns of FPCCI.
Furthermore, the All Pakistan Shipping Association (APSA) has written to Mian Nasser Hyatt Maggo, President FPCCI, to inform him that they have also decided to honour the demand of FPCCI and keep all shipping lines and services operational on May 10-11.
In a bid to stem the spread of COVID-19 in the country, the government had announced to close down all non-essential services during Eid Holidays. Furthermore, there will be a complete ban on inter-provincial transportation from May 8 to May 16.
In the last 24 hours, 4,487 people tested positive for COVID-19 while 142 lost their lives, according to the latest statistics released by the National Command and Control Centre (NCOC). Most casualties were seen in the province of Punjab followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
