Pakistan cannot afford complete lockdown policy: Shibli Faraz

ISLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Senator Shibli Faraz has reiterated that Pakistan cannot afford complete lockdown policy to contain the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

The statement came while addressing a press conference in Islamabad today (Sunday) along with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Digital Pakistan Tania Aidrus and Focal person on COVID-19 Dr. Faisal Sultan.

Senator Shibli Faraz said that the coronavirus pandemic has engulfed the entire world. “In this regard, some countries observed strict lockdown but they are facing disturbing economic hardships and rising death toll,” he asserted.

He further said that the PTI-led federal government adopted a balanced strategy to save precious lives and the economy as well. “Now, the world has also replaced the complete lockdown policy,” he added. He also highlighted the role of the National Command and Operation Center in addressing the challenges of pandemic effectively.

The federal minister said, “In this difficult situation, the federal government also disbursed cash assistance among over 13 million deserving families on their doorsteps.” He also assured that the nation will witness improving the economy due to the government’s economy-friendly policies.

On the occasion, Tania Aidrus said that the Centre, provincial governments, and the armed forces took collective decisions and introduced a targeted trace, testing, and quarantine strategy.

She informed, “Under this strategy, one-third COVID-19 tests are being conducted,” adding that the objective of smart lockdown policy was to control the epidemic maintaining the economy.

She also pointed out the effects of a complete lockdown strategy on the public and the economy as well. “The number of coronavirus infections in the country on a daily basis is declining,” she added.

Focal person to PM on COVID-19 Dr. Faisal Sultan said that Center and the provincial governments were on the same page to address this global epidemic. “Center and the provincial governments played a commendable role in this regard,” he added.

Dr. Faisal Sultan urged the people of Pakistan to follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) strictly and seriously to stop further spread of the deadly virus during Eid-ul-Adha and Muharram.