ISLAMABAD: Social media users have criticized Prime Minister Imran Khan for holding an in-person meeting while being COVID-19 positive.
Federal Information Minister and Senator Shibli Faraz announced the news on Twitter with a picture in which the prime minister can be seen sitting in a room with six other persons at the Bani gala.
Prime minister with the media team today at Bani gala pic.twitter.com/Vk0oWIUDed
— Senator Shibli Faraz (@shiblifaraz) March 25, 2021
Meanwhile, former MQM leader Raza Haroon slammed the premier for displaying “poor optics”. “Poor optics and bad example from our PM @ImranKhanPTI,” he said.
“This meeting, if so important, could’ve been done over a video link. This pic is a violation of #SOPs and #coronavirus isolation guidelines. Once again poor advice and an incompetent team of advisors. #COVID19,” he tweeted.
Poor optics and bad example from our PM @ImranKhanPTI. This meeting, if so important, could’ve been done over video link. This pic is violation of #SOPs and #coronavirus isolation guidelines. Once again poor advice and incompetent team of advisors. #COVID19
— Raza Haroon رضا ہارون (@mrazaharoon) March 25, 2021
Twitter user @ASK7799 pointed out, with a picture of Boris Johnson holding a virtual meeting of the British government, how ‘sensible’ governments work during the virus.
Bro that's how intelligent and sensible governments work when their premiere is sick. Protecting themselves and others. pic.twitter.com/Df7h4TVMyN
— A.khan (@ASK7799) March 25, 2021
Even though the premier apparently maintained a safe distance from the members of his media team, Twitterati was totally enraged, calling the act “irresponsible.”
Sop for a person positive with covid is NOT to be holding in person meetings. Seriously. What's the point of this display? https://t.co/WPqB07ZxnP
— Zarrar Khuhro (@ZarrarKhuhro) March 25, 2021
Another Twitter user, Haider told the information minister point-blank that his tweet was “callous and highly irresponsible”.
Shibli Faraz sahab 4-5 din baad apna test bhi kara lijiye ga
— Alif (@vanillasky458) March 25, 2021
On March 20, Prime Minister Imran Khan had tested positive for the novel coronavirus, his Special Assistant on National Health Services Dr Faisal Sultan announced.
Taking to Twitter, the special assistant wrote, “PM Imran Khan has tested positive for Covid-19 and is self-isolating at home.” The news comes two days after the premier received his first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine.
PM Imran Khan has tested positive for Covid-19 and is self isolating at home
— Faisal Sultan (@fslsltn) March 20, 2021