Opponents doesn’t even have courage to admire govt's decision: Shibli

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Minister for Information Shibli Faraz on Sunday the opponents doesn’t even have courage to admire the government’s decision regarding to the control of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Addressing a press conference flanked by Prime Minister’s Focal person on COVID-19 Dr Faisal Sultan and Special Assistant on Digital Pakistan Tania Aidrus, the minister said that to fight the coronavirus countries across the globe imposed complete lockdown but Pakistan could not afford a complete lockdown, therefore, Prime Minister Imran Khan adopted the policy of smart lockdown. Shibli Faraz said Pakistan introduced smart lockdown policy in this situation to save precious lives and the economy as well. He said that Pakistan’s working class and especially daily wagers were most affected by the lockdown, adding that the prime minister tried to keep people's jobs going, but those who advised the lockdown took care of the elite. Such people always sucked the blood of the poor. He said that the whole world is acknowledging Pakistan's efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus but the opponents doesn’t even have courage to admire the government’s decision. The minister further mentioned that the government has adopted a balanced strategy to cope with the challenge of COVID-19 pandemic effectively, adding that this model is being replicated in many countries in the world. “Some countries observed strict lockdown to stop spread of this global epidemic but they are facing disturbing economic hardships and rising death toll,” Shibli added. On the occasion, Tania Aidrus said that positive cases in Pakistan have now come in single digits, adding that by the grace of almighty Allah, we are in a position to control the pandemic despite limited resources. She said that long lockdown would have caused a lot of damage to Pakistan, adding that we are proud that the strategy of smart lockdown had been adopted in Pakistan. Focal person to PM on COVID-19 Dr. Faisal Sultan, on the occasion, said that all provinces and other federating units are on one page to meet this global epidemic and played a commendable role in this regard. He said that the nation should remain follow the Standard Operating Procedures strictly and seriously to stop further spread of the Corona during Eid and Muharram. He urged the people to avoid in going to gathering without wearing masks. He said that all indicators are showing in declining the pandemic spread and this success was made possible due to team work.