ISLAMABAD: With the number of COVID-19 infections rising again, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday warned that the nation could expect a spike in virus cases in the coming months as the winter season approaches.
The Prime Minister expressed concern during the Clean Green Index Award Ceremony event in Islamabad today.“There is a fear onset of winter could result in the second wave. I urge everyone to wear face masks in public to avoid a spike” he added.
During his address, PM Imran highlighted the government’s policies to tackle the global pandemic and said that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has praised Pakistan’s COVID-19 strategy.
“Pakistan not only saved its people, but we also saved the economy,” he said. Imran Khan also lamented how various cities such as Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi used to be “clean” but were now suffering from pollution.
“People used to drink Peshawar’s water as if it was mineral water,” he added. Commenting on Karachi’s situation he said that trash and garbage could be found scattered on streets of the port city while sewerage is being disposed of in the sea, causing hurdles for fishermen.
PM Imran Khan also highlighted that Lahore has lost 70 percent of its greenery resulting in an increase in pollution in Punjab’s capital.
“In October, November, and December, the pollution levels increase to such an extent that they cause harm to people’s health in Lahore,” he said.
Khan emphasizes the need for plantation drive and asked people to join hands to save the future of the country. “We have destroyed our forests, and our next generation will have to pay the price for it,” he said.
He had launched the Clean Green Pakistan Index to start a healthy cleanliness competition among 19 cities across the country on November 15 last year.
The focus of the initiative is to inculcate a spirit of competition on cleanliness initiatives in the cities and facilitate the behavioral change, building positive attitudes, institutional strengthening for better water, sanitation and hygiene services and facilities.
Live Stream: Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI Address at the Clean Green Index Award Ceremony in Islamabad (19.10.2020)#PrimeMinisterImranKhan https://t.co/3WKTRMlMfw
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) October 19, 2020
