DG ISPR lauds media's role for "objective reporting" on coronavirus

• Babar says the nation should get united to counter the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
• DG ISPR says the country cannot go for a lockdown keeping in view the current situation.
• PM has instructed the officials to take stern action against profiteers and hoarders: Awan.

(Karachi) Inter Services Public Relations Director General Iftikhar Babar has lauded efforts of media for carrying out "objective reporting" on coronavirus.  He said media's cooperation is essential to win war against the deadly disease.

Addressing press briefing after PM's visit to National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Friday, DG ISPR said that the nation should get united to counter the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

He maintained that the country cannot go for a lockdown for an indefinite period keeping in view the current situation. "The situation of the world has changed completely after the coronavirus outbreak."

Iftikhar highlighted that the NCOC serves as an operational nerve centre to collate and analyse information received from provinces, after which recommendations are made to National Coordination Committee (NCC) so political leadership can make decisions.

He said NCOC is being headed by Planning Minister Asad Umar while it is being operated under the NCC. "The decisions taken by NCOC include isolation of areas that are identified as coronavirus hotspots."

Babar said, "We as a nation fought with full determination against this menace for the last 38 days." He also appreciated the role of Ulema for creating awareness about coronavirus among the masses.

He said people of Pakistan have shown exemplary ability in dealing with the coronavirus over the last three months. He appreciated the efforts doctors, paramedics and security personnel, who are on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19 virus.

Speaking on the occasion, Special Assistant to Prime Minister for Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan said the prime minister has decided to create balance between lockdown and hunger.

She said that the PM also instructed the officials to take stern action against profiteers and hoarders.

She said on the instructions of the prime minister, the information ministry and DG ISPR will brief the media on the coronavirus situation. She said that a strategy will be developed to coordinate with the media.