Shamoon Ismail’s concert in Karachi stopped midway over COVID-19 SOPs violation

Shamoon Ismail’s concert was being held at the Avari Towers on Saturday and it was stopped in the midway by the authorities over COVID-19 SOPs violations.

News of a fine of Rs100,000 being imposed on the organizers have been making rounds since Saturday. However, there has been no official confirmation by the organizers over being finned for the violations.

According to the precautionary measures were taken at best, he audience size was reduced to 300 instead of a regular 1,000. Thermal screening, availability of masks and sanitizers, a ‘no mask no entry’ policy, dividers between lounges and single chairs instead of sofas to ensure social distancing was adopted for safety.

But the  ongoing concert was abruptly halted by police officials over allegations of the violations of social-distancing SOPs at the venue.

Taking to Instagram, the organizers of the event, Salt Arts shared, “Last night, Salt Arts produced its 103rd show since its inception in 2015, featuring artists Shamoon Ismail and SIDD. The show was held at the Avari Towers poolside. All permits had been secured well in advance and the teams remained in touch with relevant departments, before and during the day of the event.”

The statement further added that the show began at 6:30 pm and was originally planned to conclude by 9:45 as per the government’s directives for Covid-19.

“The show was abruptly closed by authorities at 9:15, without any warning or dialogue. Salt Arts respects regulations and we have always communicated the same to our audience and constantly seek cooperation,” it said.

 

“We stand by the earnestness of our hardworking teams, artists and partners who have put in weeks of labour to produce the show,” the statement added.

“We thank everyone for the immense love and support that has been pouring in.”