Lockdown extended for two weeks, construction industry to start operations from today, says PM Imran

• Imran says government is bringing an ordinance to curb smuggling of wheat and hoarding.
• Government will consult Ulema over Ramazan plan so people could observe holy month without fear of spread of virus: PM.
• Hammad says govt has decided to open industries with low risk of spreading coronavirus that includes e-commerce, software development and paper packaging units.

(Karachi) Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the government has decided to extend lockdown across the country for two weeks in wake of the coronavirus pandemic. He added that the construction industry will start operations from today.

Speaking to media after National Coordination Committee (NCC) meeting, Imran said majority had agreed to open selected industries but provinces that think it would be too soon to lift restrictions, can decide to continue with the lockdown.

He maintained that all public places, including schools, colleges and cinemas will remain closed during the lockdown. He said that the government will consult Ulema regarding the Ramazan plan and holding prayers and Taraveeh so that people could fast during the holy month without fear of spread of the deadly disease.

The prime minister pointed out that strict action will be taken against hoarders and those involved in smuggling of wheat and no leniency will be shown to them. "We are bringing an ordinance for the purpose to curb such practices."

He said the government is taking measures to bring stranded Pakistanis from abroad.

Imran Khan remarked, "Every move we make carry risks. We are facing corona challenge on one hand and on the other we have hunger."

He said that coronavirus spread only 30 per cent of the projections that the government had analyzed. He said the disease is spreading rapidly in other countries. "We predicted that coronavirus cases will reach 18,000 by April 14 but fortunately, less number of cases were reported," he stated.

Imran said that it is necessary to take precautionary measures as the virus could spread at a fast pace.

Speaking on the occasion, Special Assistant to PM for Health Dr Zafar Mirza said coronavirus cases in Sindh increased alarmingly even though it was the first province to take strict measures to curb the spread of the disease.

He said 96 people have died of the virus in the country so far.

Federal Minister for Industries Hammad Azhar said that the government has decided to open industries with low risk of spreading coronavirus that includes e-commerce, software development, industries which have labour work on their premises, books and stationery shops, horticulture nurseries, glass manufacturers, exports units, dry cleaners, mines and minerals industry and paper packaging units. He added the units will be allowed to operate with standard operating procedures in place.

He said there are chances that barbers, plumbers, electricians and daily wagers will be allowed to work.

PM’s Special Assistant on National Security Moeed Yusuf said six airports will be reopened by April 20 in order to bring back 6,000 stranded Pakistanis back home.