Cabinet approves easing lockdown after May 9.

ISLAMABAD -- The federal cabinet on Tuesday approved easing lockdown restrictions in the country gradually after May 9 to open earning facilities to workers and daily wage earners provided strict implementation of the coronavirus-related preventive measures suggested by the government is ensured.

The National CoordiAnation Committee (NCC) will meet on Wednesday (today) in which the Centre and provinces will decide which businesses and industries will be reopened during the easing of restrictions.

The cabinet also took another decision by approving a summary of the religious affairs ministry for not including Ahmadis in the National Commission for Minorities (NCM).

'Prime Minister Imran Khan, who always remains concerned about poor, daily wage earners and weak segments of society, decided that small businesses and transport to some extent should be reopened so that these people could have a chance to earn,' InforAmation Minister Shibli Faraz said at a post-cabinet meeting press conference.

He said the prime minister, however, warned that threat from the viral disease was not over and could strike again if the government's standard operating procedures (SOPs) were not followed. 'The prime minister was of the view that the situation can turn worse if SOPs are not implemented and followed after soft opening of businesses and industries,' Mr Faraz added.

Okays religious affairs ministry's summary for not including Ahmadis in commission for minorities

The government is going to open more businesses and sectors despite a surge in Covid-19 cases that crossed the 22,000 mark with over 500 deaths in the country. Punjab and Sindh have also announced some relaxation in lockdown by allowing reopening of some businesses like garment/cloth, shoes, automobile and spare parts.

The prime minister again urged the nation to follow SOPs and maintain social distancing when the lockdown was lifted gradually. 'The meeting endorsed Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan's note that this is the only war [against coronavirus] which can be won by staying at home,' the information minister said.

He said the cabinet had decided not to include Ahmadis in the National Commission for Minorities as its members. 'Today the religious minister has come up with a summary that suggested...