Panic is more dangerous than coronavirus: PM Imran

Prime Minister Imran Khan today (Friday) has termed panic as ‘more dangerous’ than coronvirus and urged the people of Pakistan to practice social distancing and self-discipline.

Speaking to senior journalists in Islamabad, PM Imran warned the media industry to not spread panic and said that it can be more dangerous than the virus.

PM Imran said that Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) will be provided set of rules and regulations to ensure that news channels did not spread panic.

He further said that panic created worse situation in Europe as supermarkets were running out of products and warned that such a situation can take place in Pakistan as well.

‘Will not censor anything’

Prime Minister assured that the federal government will not censor any information from the people of Pakistan, adding that if authorities were not transparent on cases, then it will be difficult to treat them. 

He also expressed disappointment over criticism on Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan for the outbreak of the virus from Taftan.

“The government had been in contact with Chinese authorities ever since the virus broke out in Wuhan late last year,” PM Imran added.

‘No lockdown’

The Prime Minister ruled out the possibilities of lockdown in the country and said that the government will not do the same as economic impact will be disastrous. 

The premier further said that the government had shut down cinemas and barred people from gathering at public places.

However, he said that the federal government was not in favour of lockdown as its effects will prove difficult for the poor. 

Commenting on Italy lockdown, PM Imran said that Italy and other countries had imposed a lockdown and they can because their per capita income was higher than Pakistan.

He said, “We have to strike a balance here,” adding “Hence, we have decided to incentivize the construction sector.”

Referring to economic packages, PM Imran said that the government was working on an economic package that will be announced on Tuesday.

The premier said, “We cannot compete with other countries of the world who are announcing economic packages,” adding that however, we will protect our lower and labour class against the effects of the coronavirus. This package will do so.

‘Sanctions on Iran’

Prime Minister Imran Khan has also called on the international community to lift the sanctions on Iran amid coronavirus outbreak.

Referring to Iran’s situation, PM Imran said that Iran is currently dealing with a devastating time and if the sanctions would lift it will help the country’s official to tackle the coronavirus outbreak.

‘Hot and Dry weather’

The premier has also expressed hope that Pakistan’s hot and dry weather will help to mitigate the coronavirus outbreak.

The Prime Minister further said that we can manage the outbreak of the virus, adding that there is a difference of opinion, but some doctors say that the type of heat Pakistan experiences, that makes the virus lose its effectiveness to spread.