Markets reopen in Rawalpindi following Eid break.

RAWALPINDI -- The garrison city returned to normal after a four-day Eid break with markets reopening on Thursday along with government and private offices.

The Punjab government has issued directives to traders to close markets for three days from Friday to Sunday. Under the new standard operating procedures (SOP) to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, all shops will open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and stay closed from Friday to Sunday.

Fewer customers were seen in the city's markets, which shopkeepers attributed to the hot weather, saying people typically visit markets in the evening.

The traders have also criticised the government's directives, as they want to open their shops seven days a week from 9am to 6pm.

Rawalpindi Traders Association President Sharjeel Mir toldDawnthere was 'no logic' to closing markets from Friday to Sunday.

Traders unhappy with timings under new SOPs

'The federal government has closed shops on Saturday and Sunday, but the Punjab government is closing shops three days a week,' he said.

He claimed that traders would adopt all the necessary precautions if they are allowed to do business seven days a week, and they will also adopt the 9am to 6pm timetable forever. He said: 'No shops will open in the markets in the...