Hungry people cannot be put under lockdown: PM Imran criticises Sindh’s decision

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has strongly criticised the partial coronavirus lockdown imposed by the Sindh government, explaining that hungry people cannot be forced to go under a complete lockdown.

“Those without food and resources cannot be put under complete lockdown,” the Prime Minister expressed his views while conversing with the people of Pakistan in a live question-and-answer session via telephone today (Sunday).

The premier began the session by thanking the national for cooperating with the government over the first three waves of the COVID-19, urging them to again adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to contain the fourth wave.

Addressing the Sindh government’s decision to impose a partial lockdown, the Prime Minister said it hadn’t taken into consideration the hardships of the poor. “How can we impose a lockdown on people who don’t have resources or food,” he asked.

“Sindh government wanted to impose a lockdown, which is the correct decision and will curb the virus. However, will we be able to save the economy from the lockdown?” the premier asked. He cited the example of India to tell Sindh government “never to impose a lockdown until you have the answers to these questions.”

“Indian government imposed a lockdown at once without thinking anything of the public,” the PM said, adding, “Sindh government should know that when you force a lockdown you are going to keep people hungry.”

The Prime Minister advised Sindh government to refrain from enforcing a lockdown in the province, and opt for smart lockdown. “The policy of smart lockdowns and mass vaccinations was the way to go”, as he stressed that the “now-stabled” economy should not be hurt at any cost.

Noor Mukadam case

In response to a question regarding the brutal murder of Noor Mukadam, PM Imran assured that he was following the case from day one and had all the information regarding it.

“It is a heinous case and it has shocked the nation, given its impact. I assure the nation that the accused will not escape the law and will be brought to justice,” the premier remarked.

He added, “I want to reject the common notion that the accused may escape punishment because they belong to an influential family or have dual nationalities,” adding, “The murderer won’t escape punishment regardless of how powerful they are.”

Media freedom

Responding to another caller, the Prime Minister said he believed in the freedom of media. “Only those who loot the country have a fear of facing the people,” he added.

However, he added that, “I only have a difference of opinion with the media when it airs fake news and propaganda.” He cited the recent discovery by the EU DisinfoLab about India’s use of fake accounts against Pakistan in this regard.

“I want to reiterate that constructive journalism is a blessing for the country,” the premier remarked.

Electoral reforms

Responding to the question regarding electoral reforms, the premier said his was the first government that wanted to bring about a system to ensure transparency in the electoral process.

“Electronic voting machines (EVMs) are the only way to rectify the system and deal with its anomalies,” the premier added. He noted that the government had been asking the Opposition to coordinate in finalising the reforms, but “to no avail”.