Pakistan proposes to ease lockdown as April’s exports dropped 54% to below $1 billion last month
The National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) has put forward a number of recommendations for easing the coronavirus related lockdown restrictions to control the countrywide spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
The committee, which is chaired by Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Asad Umar, suggested the re-opening of inter-provincial transport and retail outlets with specific SOPs among other proposals. The recommendations also included opening of shops between 9am to 5pm and 8pm to 10pm.
The committee also suggested the opening of selective outpatient departments (OPDs) at hospitals in Islamabad. The second phase of construction business openings is also currently under consideration as the country continues to reel from the impact of COVID-19.
Unsubstantiated reports also hint that the Government of Punjab may open schools from June 1. The schools may open between 7am and 11 am without any breaks. The government of KPK may also be opening educational institutions soon.
The current scenario has had severe effect on the economies including the exports. As per the number reported by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, April’s exports dropped 54%, clocking under $1 billion for the month.
Imports for the month were also lowered by 34.5% over the year, reducing the trade deficit to $2.1 billion. This is nearly a 20% reduction from previous April.
On month over moth basis, the exports dropped by 47.2%. During the same period. Imports contracted by 6.8%. The lower export numbers resulted in trade deficit increasing by 42% over the month. The exports during the period dropped by $857 million compared to a meagre drop of $228 million in the imports.