The Karachi Commissioner has announced a smart lockdown in several Covid-19 hotspot locations across the city, aiming to control the spread of the virus. According to the official notification, the lockdown will be enforced from 7 pm on Thursday, June 18, 2020, until July 2.
Under the new measures, residents in the restricted areas must wear masks at all times. Strict movement controls are in place: only one person per household is allowed to leave to purchase groceries or essential items, and they must show their Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) to law enforcement officers. Only grocery shops and pharmacies can remain open; all industrial units are closed. Takeaway and home delivery services are suspended.
Private gatherings inside homes are prohibited. Recreational outings—including joy riding and pillion riding on motorcycles—are banned, and all forms of public and private transport services such as Careem, Airlift, Swvl, and Uber are suspended in these zones.
To support affected communities, authorities have pledged to distribute rations to needy families and deploy mobile dispensaries, both from government resources and with the assistance of charitable organizations.
Deputy commissioners have been directed to coordinate with health officials, police, and rangers to enforce the lockdown and maintain order.
Federal Minister Asad Umer reaffirmed the importance of the targeted lockdown strategy, highlighting its success in Islamabad, where a similar measure led to a dramatic reduction in cases—from around 100 daily to just 8 or 9 in some areas.
The government urges residents to follow the restrictions strictly, stay home, and help reduce the spread of the virus.
