Buzdar underscores need for taking safety measures to contain coronavirus spread

Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar has appealed the citizens to protect themselves from coronavirus as well as their loved ones, follow the SOPs, maintain social distance and use masks during Eid shopping.

He said this during meeting with the provincial ministers Dr Yasmin Rashid, Akhtar Malik, Nauman Langrial, Sardar Asif Nakai and assembly members who called on him here Friday and discussed matters of mutual interest.

Talking on this occasion, the CM stressed that the coronavirus attack was not finished yet; therefore, necessary precautions and safety measures were imperative to avoid it. "We are also facing joblessness and poverty along with the onslaught of coronavirus," he said.

The CM stated that devotees should fully follow social distancing policy as shrines of the saints had been reopened for the visitors.

"We will rise to the challenge of coronavirus with collective wisdom," he said, adding: "Business activities have been restored to save the public from hunger, the government wants that routine life is restored along with observance of steps needed for safety from coronavirus."

The decision has been made to restore construction activities through communication projects to provide employment opportunities and such development schemes were being introduced which could create more and more job opportunities, he said.

The CM added that resumption of transport and industrial sectors was allowed so that workers could earn their livelihood. The government wanted to economically stabilize the labourers in those difficult economic conditions, he maintained.

The CM added that organised efforts were underway to overcome the locust attack in collaboration with the Pakistan army. "I am personally reviewing the situation during field visits for overcoming the locust attack. The locust attack could cause damage in different cities and therefore, district administration has been alerted to immediately repulse it," the CM said.

Moreover, CM Usman Buzdar formally launched 'The Monuments of Lahore,' a collage of architectural archaeology of provincial metropolis, at his office. Youth Affairs Minister Taimoor Bhatti presented the book to the chief minister.

The CM appreciated the efforts of the Archeology Department for preserving the history of 83 historical buildings of Lahore through this book. "These buildings are our worthwhile heritage and Lahore enjoys a unique position because of its rich archaeological and cultural heritage," he added. He said that pictorial history would sensitize the youth about the diverse culture and history of the city of Lahore.