No such conditions in Pakistan to clamp lockdown, says PM Imran Khan

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that there are no such conditions in the country to clamp lockdown. Talking to senior journalists after a meeting of the National Coordination Committee (NCC) on Friday, he said that the government would provide perks to the construction industry for the creation of jobs. “Doctors say the increasing hot weather would weaken coronavirus,” he said. The prime minister also asked the world to lift restrictions from Iran. He urged the nation to adopt social distancing as a precautionary measure against the threat of coronavirus pandemic. “It is very important that people who show symptoms of coronavirus must self-quarantine them. The people should also limit their social gatherings for the next one or two months,” he said. Imran Khan said that the situation is being monitored and tracked on daily basis to gauge its impacts. “Experiences of various countries, especially China, will be utilized to tackle the menace of coronavirus. The government is fully alert and vibrant to the threat and it has been decided that all federal ministers will be available in Islamabad during this crisis and there will not be any leave of them.” He said that he would update the people about the coronavirus situation twice a week. “No information will be withheld from people, so that prompt action can be taken.” The PM said that if the cases spike in Pakistan, four to five percent people may need hospitalization which will put a strain on available medical resources. He said that even in advanced countries like Italy, the situation is becoming critical due to shortage of medical supplies. “Role of the media is very important in this situation as sensationalism could lead to panic that might make the situation worse. We have to strike a balance between gathering of people and the safety of their livelihoods. We want people to exercise discipline, rather than lock downing the whole cities,” he added. The prime minister said that work is underway on creating a financial package that will be announced on Tuesday next. “All stakeholders, including State Bank of Pakistan, Ministry of Finance and FBR are involved in the preparation of this package to provide incentives.” Advisor on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said that the government is working on a joint strategy to bring a stimulus package for the areas of economy being hurt due to coronavirus. “The economic indicators of the country were showing progress before the eruption of coronavirus.” He said that a survey is being conducted to understand which industries are hurting the most in this crisis. “As part of stimulus measures, taxes will be reduced on certain products while subsidies will be given on others.”