Only PM can take decision of cities' lockdown, says Awan

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan categorically said that only Prime Minister Imran Khan could take the decision of a lockdown of cities to control the spread of coronavirus if required.
She said Prime Minister Imran Khan had already shared with media persons that the government did not want to lockdown cities for now. "Any decision of lockdown will be taken in consultation with the provinces and the regional situation will also be taken [into account]," Awan said.
She said it was miscommunication that the government was considering lockdown. Awan said the Sindh chief minister put forward a proposal before the National Security Council meeting of lockdown of Karachi.
She warned that the Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) and the cyber-crime unit had been directed to take action against disseminators of "fake news" on social media. Awan said a separate WhatsApp Group with representatives from all four provinces would be created for further disseminating quick and correct information to the social media.
She chaired a meeting of all provincial information ministers of the country to chalk out a media strategy regarding coronavirus outbreak here on Saturday. The meeting was held through a video link and was telecast on Radio Pakistan's official Twitter account.
All four provincial information ministers participated in the meeting arranged through a video link with Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan to discuss the prevailing situation and the efforts being taken against coronavirus pandemic. Awan on this occasion reiterated the government's resolve to provide all available resources to the provincial governments in national fight against coronavirus.
She said under prevailing tense situation, media had a crucial responsibility to avoid "fake news" and provide correct information to the citizens. Awan urged all the opposition to set aside political differences and unite in the common fight against COVID-19.