No confusion in govt’s COVID-19 response: PM Imran

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has clarified that there was no confusion in the government’s COVID-19 response.

While addressing the National Assembly today (Thursday), PM Imran asserted that he faced a lot of pressure to impose a strict lockdown to prevent coronavirus. “Even in my own cabinet, people wanted a more severe lockdown to be imposed,” he added.

He further said, “We’ve had daily meetings and taken decisions in this regard,” adding that if Pakistan followed the lockdown policies of the western governments then it would mean difficulties for the poor.

The Prime Minister reiterated that Pakistan’s population density, circumstances, and economic conditions were different from developed countries.

He also issued a challenge to the opposition and said, “I want to challenge you to point out a single contradiction in my statements since we imposed the lockdown.”

PM Imran quoted India’s lockdown example and said that India’s example of a failed lockdown policy is being highlighted everywhere. “As a result, 34% people have been pushed into poverty there,” he added.

The premier also urged the people of Pakistan to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) properly and practice social distancing to defeat coronavirus.

He further said, “Even the world’s most powerful economy, the United States, cannot endure the effects of a lockdown.”

Referring to the older people, he said, “It is our duty to make people realise how important it is to save the elderly in this difficult situation,” adding that for those with weakness and illnesses, the novel coronavirus can be life-threatening.

The Prime Minister also pointed out that if the country can get past the ongoing month without infections escalating, the worse could be over.

PM Imran also paid tribute to the National Command and Operations Centre due to its efforts to establish proper coordination between provinces. “We were the first to talk of a smart lockdown. It was the NCOC,” he said.

The premier warned that the next phase is a difficult one, with the government challenged to impress upon people the importance of following SOPs.

Commenting on the government’s plans, PM Imran said that the government has decided to give priority to the construction and agriculture sectors.

The Prime Minister said that the focus is also being given to the expansion of the industrial sector to revive the industries.

“It is also our effort to reopen the tourism sector with SOPs in order to protect the livelihood of the people associated with this industry,” he added.