LAHORE: Expressing concern over Prime Minister Imran Khan's confusion regarding novel coronavirus, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif, who is tested coronavirus positive and is in self-isolation, demanded of the incumbent government to evolve a comprehensive strategy to deal with the pandemic.

In a statement, the PML-N president said that the premier's statement based on confusion is a proof of being continuously in a state of denial. The PM is giving contradictory statements over increasing cases of Covid-19, he said. "The people are paying the price of this confusion with their lives. We repeatedly identified this confusion and chaos, and demanded to devise a joint strategy against the pandemic."

He said: "Staggering rise in coronavirus deaths and patients is ongoing whereas the prime minister makes a new excuse daily. Speaking against provinces is not a solution to this problem."

"This is not the time to make excuses as people are dying due to lack of measures and waste of time. Now is the time to help the nation," he said. "The premier should be briefed in the National Command Operation Centre (NCOC) meeting and the federation and provinces should follow a common strategy."

"The reports of COVID-19 will touch its peak by June end and July must be taken seriously and solid steps should be taken by the Council of Common Interests (CCI) and the NCOC," he said.

"Emergency planning must be made due to gravity of the situation. Provision of oxygen cylinders, ventilators and medicines to treat the epidemic must be ensured," Shehbaz added.