LAHORE: Punjab government administration failed to close the provincial capital Lahore over Coronavirus outbreak.
Pleas by the Punjab government for people to stay at home went in vain as people continued to visit public places, parks, markets and other venues in Lahore on Sunday.
The City District Government of Lahore also failed to enforce a ban on opening of businesses in the provincial metropolis.
Although the local government has launched an awareness drive, advised citizens to frequently wash hands, cover their faces while sneezing and coughing and avoid large gatherings, citizens continue to maintain their life as they did before the pandemic hit Pakistan.
A visit to residential localities by a correspondent of *The News* showed that majority of the markets were open and people were gathering in flocks. Barbershops, motorcycle and car mechanics, service stations, hardware and sanitary stores, juice corners, small restaurants, LPG filling shops, mobile shops, book shops, sports goods shops were also found open and being frequented by the residents.
Apart from this, roadside stalls of garments, glasses, fruits and vegetables, other edibles were also open and attracting people. Similarly, tuck shops situated on petrol pumps were also operative without any fear of the district administration.
Open playgrounds in various city localities were the most crowded places as hundreds of youths could be seen playing cricket. However, following public complaints several grounds were forcibly vacated by district administration and police.
A large number of citizens were also seen on the roads.