The Supreme Court said that the decision regarding the opening of shopping malls and markets across the country would be reviewed after Eid-ul-Fitr.
Today was the hearing of the suo moto case in the Supreme Court of Pakistan. It was heard by a bench comprising of five members- Justice Umer Ata Bandial, Justice Qazi Muhammad Amin Ahmed, Justice Sajjad Ali Shah, Justice Mazhar Alam, and The Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed. Many important decisions have been taken today.
- Opening of shopping malls and markets:
The Supreme Court questioned the closing of shopping malls and markets, saying that it finds “no valid reason” for keeping malls closed. The judges further said that markets should remain open on weekends too. Previously, the government had decided that all markets and malls will remain closed on weekends. The court order states that:
“We do not find any reasonable classifications on the basis of which these two days (Saturday and Sunday) are excluded from doing business, for that, all days of the week are the same. It is for the convenience of us humans that the days have been given names; otherwise, there is no difference between other days of the week from Saturday and Sunday.”
The Chief Justice said that, “Coronavirus does not go anywhere on Saturday and Sunday. What is the reason behind keeping the markets closed on weekends?”
The court said that it will hold another hearing after Eid-ul-Fitr.
- The Supreme court raises questions on the governmental measures in quarantine centres:
The Supreme Court inquired the authorities regarding the measures being taken in quarantine centres across the country.
The judges said that the videos people have posted on social media very well explain the poor management in isolation centres across the country.
“People are complaining that they are not being given food and other facilities on time.” Remarked the judges. “We have seen videos in which ten people are sitting close together in the quarantine centres. What sort of quarantine is this?”
The Chief Justice said that people are not being provided with basic facilities such as water and clean washrooms.
- Corona is positive at government hospitals, while negative at private?
The Chief Justice noted that the public are facing problems regarding covid-19 tests. They are confused whether they’re infected or not.
“Previously, four people at Lahore tested positive at a government facility, but at a private lab, they tested negative,” he pointed out.
