Federation, provinces to decide about lockdown: Governor

Expressing concern over surge in cases of coronavirus, Governor Punjab Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar said that federal and provincial government will decide about relaxing or tightening the lockdown in the country.
"The people are not ready to take coronavirus serious in Pakistan and the cases of Covid-19 and death toll are rising because people are not following the SOPs," he said while talking to media during his visit to Child Protection and Welfare Bureau and the residence of Pilot Sajjad Gul at Defence area.
"We assure the people that transparent investigation will be carried out in plane crash. Prime Minister has strictly instructed that merit must be guiding principle during investigations," he said while offering condolence to the family of pilot Sajjad Gul who died in plane crash.
The governor told media that they will not only address all concerns of family of late pilot about investigation, but will also continuously keep them on board about progress in investigation proceedings.
Answering a question, the governor said, "It is true that easing lockdown has escalated coronavirus cases and the people are flouting precautionary measures. Society is still not serious about the intensity of pouncing threat of Corona. Federation along with consultation of provinces will decide about lockdown in future in Pakistan."
The Punjab governor said the people of Jammu & Kashmir are offering prayers amid curfew imposed by fascist Modi government. Welcoming OIC condemnation of new Kashmiri domicile law, he said all Indian attempts of changing demographics in Jammu & Kashmir will be foiled.
Commenting on locus attack on plants, the governor said the governor said they are taking all preventive measures to dismantle deadly locust attack on plants in Punjab.
On the occasion, Gul Muhammad Bhatti, the late pilot's father said that he doesn't trust the inquiry reports prepared by the airline officials. "They are themselves conducting the inquiry and leaking the reports," he said, adding: "The officials are trying to pin the blame for the crash on the pilot; a day earlier, you were saying he is our national hero." He said Sajjad Gul was the only PIA pilot to complete 1,000 hours in the air last year. "He was a thorough professional."
On the other hand, the CM Sardar Usman Buzdar said in a statement that the people should observe precautionary measures and show responsibility as their protection and security of their loved ones lies in by following the SOPs devised by government against this pandemic. He said that every step of the government is for the safety and protection of the people. After Eid, situation will be reviewed and more decisions will be taken, he said.
The CM pays tribute to the services of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff who were busy in the treatment of Corona patients on Eid. "Services of doctors and health professionals who spent Eid in hospital with Corona affectees are commendable. Doctors, nurses and health professionals are not just doing their jobs but serving the ailing humanity, I personally appreciate the services of doctors," he said.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020

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