LAHORE: Prime Minister Imran Khan has opposed the proposal of re-imposing a strict lockdown in view of a surge in the Covid-19 cases, saying the country's economy cannot afford the consequences of a strict lockdown.
"Now we will impose a selective lockdown and seal off the virus hot-spots," the premier said while addressing a news conference here on Saturday after chairing a high-level meeting which reviewed current situation of coronavirus in Punjab.
PM Imran Khan maintained that lockdown means halting the economy. "We cannot afford lockdown as it caused manifold issues. Around 25% of the country's population is living below poverty and we have to face difficulties while preparing budget," he said. The premier said volunteers of Corona Relief Tiger Force (CRTF) will monitor the situation and report to the authorities if people are not complying with the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
He pointed out that the virus was spreading rapidly because people were not following SOPs and social distancing measures. "From now onwards, we will take strict action against violators," he stressed. He asked people to follow SOPs and wear facemasks as 50% spread of the virus could be checked through masks. He said he would visit other provinces as well where he will also monitor the implementation of SOPs.
Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid said that the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has allowed import of Actemra drug which has shown positive results on Covid-19 patients.
She said 10,000 beds have been allocated for coronavirus patients across the province and there are 40 percent beds still vacant. She added that out of total admitted patients, 215 are critical. Of them, 193 are on ventilators, she added.
In Lahore, she said there are 197 ventilators with public sectors hospitals and 104 with private hospitals out of which 63 and 72 are available, respectively. She said the NDMA would provide 2000 HDU beds to Punjab by July.
Punjab Finance Minister Hashim Jawan Bakht said they are going to launch a mobile application through which Tiger Force Razakars would identify violators of SOPs and administration would take swift action.
PM's Special Assistant Usman Dar said the Tiger Force has already played a praiseworthy role vis-à-vis implantation of SOPs at mosques. This force would also play its role in strict compliance of SOPs to stop spread of the virus.
Earlier, PM Imran Khan chaired a high-level meeting in which matters concerning the corona situation came under discussion. The PM expressed his concerns over rise in positive cases in Lahore and ordered the authorities concerned to take appropriate measures to ensure implementation of the SOPs and take stern action against its violation.
The PM said although the government is facing a lot of problems, the situation is still under control. He also stressed upon the masses to adopt all precautionary measures.
On the occasion, the Prime Minister was given a detailed briefing about the measures taken to check spread of Coronavirus in the province. The meeting decided to take special measures to contain the rapid spread of Coronavirus in the province in general and in Lahore in particular.
Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar, Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar, Chairman NDMA Lt. General Muhammad Afzal, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Shahbaz Gil, Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid and others attended the meeting.
Governor Punjab Chaudhry Sarwar and Chief Minister Sardar Usman Ahmed Khan Buzdar separately called on the Prime Minister and discussed overall situation of the province with particular reference to the steps taken to check the spread of coronavirus. Political and economic situation of the province also came under discussion. Matters concerning the Punjab budget were also discussed.
The Governor apprised the Prime Minister that over 1.2 million poor families have been provided ration bags under Punjab Development Network. He said that they have already provided 170,000 personal protective equipment and 260,000 medical kits to doctors. The CM apprised the PM about the performance of provincial ministers and affairs of the province. Punjab Minister for Higher Education Raja Yasir Humayun also met the PM.
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