Sindh government prohibits employers from laying off workers during coronavirus lockdown

KARACHI: The Sindh government on Monday issued directives for employers, prohibiting them from laying off workers as the coronavirus continues to create economic hurdles for the country. 

In a notification issued by the Sindh Home Department, it was stated that workers will not be laid off "during the ban period" and that employers will pay workers their due salaries, remunerations and wages. 

The notification said that in case the orders were not obeyed, the employers will be held guilty on account of the breach of section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code. 

Sindh lockdown comes into effect

All offices, malls, restaurants, and public spaces have been shut down in the province from Sunday night as a lockdown was imposed across the province. Restaurants have been told to cease all delivery and take-away operations as well.

Sindh has so far recorded the highest number of positive coronavirus cases in Pakistan (province-wise), at 394, while Pakistan's aggregate stands at over 850 cases.

According to a notification issued Sunday evening, "a complete ban on movement of people including Intercity or Interprovincial travel or gatherings of any kind for social, religious, or any other purpose at any place, public or private, including all offices, public or private situated within the territorial limits" was imposed in Sindh.

The notification said anyone related to the health services like hospitals, laboratories, and medical stores, law enforcement agencies, any person in the need of medical care (with an attendant where necessary) or going to buy grocery and medicines were exempt during the lock-down.

"Necessary and/or unavoidable religious rites like last rites, Namaaz-e-Janaza, Burial and related events [were exempt] provided that all precautions against spread of disease are taken and a safe distance of 01 metre (3 feet) is maintained between people gathered in small numbers/ close family members after prior intimation to SHO of the area," the notification added.

"Assistant Commissioner and SDPO of the area will supervise and as and when necessary provide added force/manpower for compliance," it read.