ISLAMABAD: Imran Khan while addressing the nation today has urged the namazis to observe SOPs set by the Govt. in order to contain spread of COVID-19.
Imran Khan said as a free country people here could not be stopped by police from going to mosques. PM told that during a meeting with ulema it was agreed upon that all twenty precautionary points for opening of mosques would be observed. He said the decision could be reviewed if SOPs were neglected. PM Imran Khan asked people to pray at home wherever it was possible.
PM pointed out that lockdown could not remain in force anywhere in the world for a long period of time because it is not known how long the crisis prevail. According to Imran Khan country is facing the dual challenge of handling Corona Pandemic as well as saving citizens from hunger. PM informed that Govt. had decided to relax the lockdown gradually by opening the cement sector first and then construction industry. However, he made it clear that industries that were being opened will have to follow SOPs given by the government.
Imran Khan claimed that Tiger Force comprised of volunteers and was working sans remuneration or political affiliation. He said its members would disseminate information about the virus crisis and deliver ration to people at their doorsteps. Planning Minister Asad Umar told that limited lockdown will be implemented in high risk areas. According to focal person on Corona crisis Dr. Faisal, Pakistan was relatively in better position than many developed countries. However, we need to keep this trend up by following the precautionary measures strictly.
Special Assistant on Poverty Alleviation & Social Protection Dr. Sania Nishtar said over Rs. 60 billion had been disbursed among needy and deserving people under Ehsaas Emergency Cash program. Minister for Industries Hammad Azhar informed that a large package meant to support people rendered jobless due to lockdown will be presented in meeting of NCC tomorrow. After its approval by NCC and cabinet, it will be advertised on the Media.
Hammad Azhar said another package was being brought for electricity and will be launched later this month. Commenting on Torkham and Chaman crossings SAPM National Security Dr. Moeed Yusuf stated that they had been opened and a Pakistanis had commenced returning from Afghanistan. He told that as soon as the border with India opens Pakistani citizens stranded there will return to their homeland.
Newspakistan.tv
