ISLAMABAD: Minister for information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz on Tuesday said that Pakistan could not afford a complete lockdown in view of the ground realities and economic situation.
During a press briefing after a cabinet meeting, the minister said the government devised a proactive strategy to contain and prevent the spread of coronavirus keeping in view the ground realities and the country's economic situation.
He said, "We are constantly reviewing the situation arising out of the COVID-19 and holding consultation with the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) and all the relevant departments to deal with the pandemic effectively." The information minister said the government was striving to save the country's economy and lives of the people during the corona pandemic.
He said Pakistan could not afford a complete lockdown.
Senator Faraz said the NCOC was formulating a strategy on the basis of facts and figures in order to upgrade medical facilities for the corona patients.
He said the number of testing laboratories, ventilators and oxygen beds had significantly been increased to provide best medical treatment facilities to coronavirus patients. The information minister said the number of corona patients surged after the people ignored SOPs with regard to coronavirus during Eidul Fitr. He warned, "if we do not adhere to the SOPs then the situation will further deteriorate." He appealed to the general public to strictly follow the precautionary measures to cope with the coronavirus, so the country's economy could be run smoothly. He stressed, "Strictly following the SOPs is of vital importance to minimize the damage due to coronavirus." He said lockdown would be imposed in targeted and affected areas. He said fine will be imposed on those who will violate the SOPs regarding coronavirus. Speaking on the federal budget, the information minister said that they had provided relief to agriculture and construction industry despite facing economic losses.
Shibli Faraz said that the cabinet had approved a proposal to continue provision of risk allowance to health workers in the country, other than approving a legislation on safeguarding child rights.
He denied any fuel shortage in the country, and said that petrol supply to parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) would also be restored soon.
The federal cabinet decided to resume phase-wise international flights for repatriation of overseas Pakistani nationals.
During the meeting, relevant authorities were directed to make an "action plan" regarding flight operations.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said that overseas Pakistani nationals would not be left alone in this difficult time.
"Millions of citizens had lost their jobs due to the pandemic, and that the government is ready to help its compatriots."
It has been decided that unemployed workers and labourers would be repatriated in the initial phase of the Gulf-focused flights after which the second phase would commence.
The forum also discussed the issue regarding overcharging for medicines and injections required by Covid-19 patients and the shortage of petrol.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Petroleum Nadeem Babar said that petrol pumps had hoarded fuel. "Action has been taken against several oil companies and petrol pumps."
Comments
Comments are closed.