Should not play politics on national issue of coronavirus: Firodus

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Special Assistant on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan has said that the coronavirus (COVID-19) is national issue so the politics should not be played on this pandemic. The special assistant said while addressing a meeting of the information ministers of all four provinces via video link from Islamabad on Wednesday. “It’s not right time for political point-scoring as we have to fight coronavirus,” she said. “PM Imran Khan has made it clear that hiding facts in this situation will not serve the purpose and it will fail government efforts to combat the virus. The government will not hide the information but it may take time in sharing confirmed information in present scenario, the country is passing through,” Firdous Ashiq Awan mentioned. She elaborated that the current government is taking all the possible measures to fight against the virus. We are trying our level best to help the general masses in this difficult time,” she further added. The special assistant suggested that it is obligation of the corona affected people to keep stay away from others. Protective kits given to journalists Firdous has said protective kits will be provided to the journalists covering vulnerable areas including quarantine centers. She maintained the journalists are playing a vanguard role in the fight against coronavirus and steps are being taken to ensure their safety and health. The special assistant said that COVID-19 Care for Media app is also being launched to help those journalists affected by the virus. She said that newspapers hawkers will also be registered in Ehsaas Emergency Cash program as their sales have also been affected due to the outbreak of coronavirus. She urged the provincial governments to clear on war footing the pending payments of the media. Firdous Ashiq Awan said responsibility rests with the media to avoid creating panic on the current situation. She stressed that success stories of those recovering from the pandemic should also been given coverage to offset the environment of fear and panic. The special assistant said this virus can be defeated through unity and collective efforts.