-Says smart lockdown policy effective as country sees sharp decline in virus cases
-Emphasizes on SOPs compliance on Eid and Muharram to maintain virus downwards trend
By Ajmal Khan Yousafzai
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday said the government’s smart lockdown policy had yielded positive results with sharp decline in coronavirus cases, however asked the nation to adopt strict safety measures on upcoming Eid-ul-Azha and Muharram ul Haram to prevent the virus rebound.
“Any recklessness on Eid and Muharram in terms of ignoring standard operating procedures (SOPs) could result in upsurge of coronavirus cases,” the prime minister said in a televised address to the nation after chairing a meeting to review situation of COVID-19. Imran Khan warned that the government would be forced to impose strict lockdown in case of spread of coronavirus, which would “result in increased financial losses and unemployment”. “However, on getting successful in controlling the spread of virus after these two occasions, the government will open up more sectors including schools, universities, tourism, restaurants, marriage halls and several other areas,” he said. He said with blessings of Allah Almighty, the country witnessed less coronavirus cases as compared to the world and added that any casual response by the public at the moment would be a gesture of ungratefulness. The prime minister asked the people “not to repeat the mistake of ignoring SOPs like previous Eid which had put a heavy toll on lives along with unaffordable pressure on hospitals”. Prime Minister Imran Khan urged the people to wear face masks, terming it an “effective, easy and affordable way” to control the spread of virus. “I appeal to everyone not to get complacent about COVID-19, follow safety measures and do not risk the lives of elderly and patients,” he said. He stressed opting for online sacrifice of animals to avoid gathering in a bid to control mass contraction of virus.
He recalled that his government was the first to introduce ‘smart lockdown’ in March instead of strict curfew-like situation, imposed in India and other parts of the world. Despite pressures by various segments of the society for complete lockdown, he said the government had a realization that the country’s situation was nothing comparable with Europe or China.
He mentioned that since Pakistan faced the challenges of poverty, slum population, informal and unregistered labour, the smart lockdown was the “best option to maintain a balance, i.e. to allow poor and daily wagers to earn livelihood under safety SOPs”. He mentioned that the government was proud to launch Ehsaas Emergency Cash Programme, under which an unprecedented number of deserving people received financial assistance after thorough verification with NADRA’s system in a short time span. The prime minister lauded his team for performing their best in difficult situation. He said construction and agriculture sectors were opened to boost economy during the coronavirus situation. He said following safety measures on Eid and Muharram would pave way for opening up of more sectors in near future, thus leading to economic stability.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan Monday directed the chief secretaries to accelerate action against elements involved in wheat hoarding and with mutual consultation, they should evolve a mechanism for bringing uniformity in prices of wheat and flour throughout the country. He was chairing a meeting to review availability and prices of wheat and sugar in the country. The meeting was attended by Minister for Industries Muhammad Hammad Azhar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz, Advisor on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Advisor on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood, Special Assistant to PM on Information Lt. Gen. (retd) Asim Saleem Bajwa and secretaries of the concerned ministries. The provincial chief secretaries attended the meeting via video link, PM office media wing in a press release said. The prime minister was apprised that the government of Punjab had been supplying more than 15,000 metric tonnes wheat to the four mills on daily basis. The chief secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa informed that the government had procured 80,000 metric tonnes wheat from PASCO whereas an agreement for procurement of additional 100,000 metric tonnes wheat had been reached.
The prime minister was told that due to release of wheat by the concerned government sector, the availability of wheat had been improved, besides, a positive impact was witnessed with regard to its prices. A report entailing actions against elements involved in hoarding of wheat was also submitted before the prime minister. The meeting also reviewed progress on import of 150,000 metric tonnes of wheat by the government and private sector. Addressing the meeting, the prime minister said that flour had been the basic need of public and its availability at the affordable prices should be ensured. About abundant availability of wheat in the market, the prime minister said that its import process by the official level along with the private sector should be expedited. The meeting also considered availability of current sugar stock, strategy to meet the local requirements and the future needs. The prime minister directed that special attention should be paid to ensure its availability of sufficient sugar at the affordable price. He also directed that it should also be ensured that sugar mills start crushing process on time and without any delay, besides asking the relevant authorities for planning and making of arrangements for the import of sugar in case any need arose.
Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday ordered authorities to launch a crackdown against sugar mafia in light of the sugar inquiry commission report.
According to details, the prime minister has ordered Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to launch an investigation against sugar barons in light of the sugar inquiry commission report. The premier has also directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to conduct an audit of all sugar mills across the country. In this connection, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Accountability Mirza Shahzad Akbar has forwarded a letter to governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Competition Commission of Pakistan and three provinces. In a letter written to concerned authorities, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has directed concerned authorities to submit implementation report on the matter in the next 90 days.
