Punjab Grants Exemption to IT Sector from Smog Restrictions

Staff Report

The Punjab government has granted an exemption to IT sector from smog restrictions.

The Punjab government decided in response to a request from the Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT & ITeS (P@SHA).

Other businesses have also been granted exemptions. The businesses that have been exempted by the Punjab government include call centers and international IT centers.

The order lists various exempted businesses such as pharmacies, medical stores, medical facilities, vaccination centers, petrol pumps, oil depots, tandoors, bakeries, grocery and karyana stores, milk/dairy shops, sweet shops, vegetable/fruit shops, chicken/meat shops, e-commerce/postal/courier services, and utility services (electricity, natural gas, internet, cellular networks/telecom, international IT centers, and call centers).

Muhammad Zohaib Khan, Chairman of P@SHA, had urgently appealed to the Punjab Chief Minister to exempt the IT sector from smog restrictions.

In his appeal, he expressed concerns about the unintended consequences for IT exporters, call centers, and related businesses, warning of potential disruptions to IT exports.

Khan emphasized the risk of halted operations, missed deadlines, financial losses, and contractual penalties due to restricted movement in the primary hub of IT export.

He highlighted the potential damage to Brand Pakistan, stating that interruptions in IT services could tarnish the country’s international image as a reliable IT service provider.

Concerned about long-lasting damage to reputation and customer distrust, Khan appealed to the Punjab government to issue an immediate addendum to the notification, exempting IT exporters, call centers, and related businesses. Jazz Whatsapp Packages in 2023|Enjoy with Best Deals {Updated October}

P@SHA recommended allowing IT companies to continue operations under strict health safety protocols, aligning with practices during the pandemic.

While acknowledging the government’s intent to safeguard public health, P@SHA stressed that a blanket restriction affecting essential services could be counterproductive.

The association expressed its commitment to taking necessary measures for employee and community safety.

Khan urged the government’s urgent intervention to prevent a crisis with potentially long-lasting negative consequences for one of Pakistan’s most vibrant and promising economic sectors.