By Ali Imran
ISLAMABAD: Book, “Coronavirus- Threat To National Security” written by Former Interior Minister, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Interior was launched by former Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf. Due to the situation because of coronavirus when social distancing and isolation are being observed to control this deadly pandemic, the book was launched in a simple but highly impressive ceremony through video. The ceremony was also attended by renowned journalists. The ceremony was commenced with recitation from holy Quran and national anthem. Senator A. Rehman Malik in his opening remarks welcomed the distinguished guests and briefed the audiences about the book. He said that the Novel COVID-19 has brought miseries and confusions within the states as the world has been cut up with this sudden shocking surprise.
He said that in the begging, the world took it lightly and treated it like a normal virus and it is also heartening that the experts and the concerned international authorities had not warned it’s multiplying growth in the world. He said that soon after the confirmation of first two cases in Pakistan, he called an emergency meeting of Senate Standing Committee on Interior on February 27th, 2020 and suggested a comprehensive National Action Plan on coronavirus containing 37 actions and measures to be taken on war footing to block the potential spread of the coronavirus in Pakistan.
The former Chairman Standing Committee on Interior expressed that he wishes the government had implemented those 37 point in letter and spirit. He said that he had suggested strict measures at airports and all entry points and had directed that no passenger should enter Pakistan without proper screening for COVID-19 and should not be allowed to leave for home but instead be quarantined for specific time.
The Ex-Interior Minister said that well on time he had suggested to close all the educational institutions, establish quarantine and isolation centres in each city and provide doctors, paramedics and all officials at airports with PPEs. He said that he had also suggested to immediately announce a task force like National Coordination Center for COVID-19 and enhance the testing capacity. He said that things have got better since the National Coordination Center is established and have taken over the control to combat coronavirus.
He said that all operations are being managed with visible improvement. He urged the nation to follow all the measures to spread further spread of coronavirus.
He said that this virus and the creator of virus has brought the Entire world is on its knees with a total of 1 gram of virus. He said “I have been posing this question why with all advance medical technology we have so far failed to find its antidote and some back ground interviews indicate that the same virus did attack in 1994 -95.”
Former Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, who was the chief guest, cut the red ribbon and formally launched the book. Speaking on the occasion he urged to refrain from political blame game on issued of the coronavirus. At the end of the ceremony, besides thanking the participants, Senator A. Rehman Malik dedicated the sale proceed to the Shohdaas Foundation. He also hoped that the hard compiled facts will serve as guiding tool in combating the COVID-19.
