Normalcy returns to port city.

KARACHI -- Hustle and bustle returned to Karachi, the commercial hub of the country, on Monday with most of the shops reopening, exception being malls and eateries, leading to increase in traffic flow and consequent jams due to poor management.

The scenario reminded of the days prior to COVID-19 when there was lot of activity on city's roads and markets.

This was perhaps a symbol of normalcy for most of the Karachiites, too excited to open their businesses and rush to the markets.

Extremely hot weather, however, took its toll on those coming out of their homes to avail relaxation in the lockdown amidst little hope for any improvement in the weather condition during day time.

'Although it is particularly tough for those fasting to resume their businesses, but the relief was very much needed in view of fast approaching Eid festival,' said Abdul Wahid running a garments store in Bohri Bazaar.

Emphasising that things were turning grimmer and depressing for the small and medium entrepreneurs, he thanked the Prime Minister Imran Khan and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah for realising gravity of the situation and allowing gradual opening of business activities.

Momina Khan, a lady doing Eid shopping, with all precautionary measures, urged the citizens to realise they were confronted with a challenge, a global pandemic, and ensure strict compliance with the standard operating procedures as announced by the authorities.

'Life has to move on under all conditions, but its sanctity has also to be ensured,' said a middle-aged housewife fully conscious of the ground situation.

Citizens largely appeared to be supportive of the government measures to protect people against the viral infection that has taken on the world without any distinction, acknowledging that it was the collective responsibility of each and every citizen to not only...