Prime Minister Imran Khan once again dismissed the idea of imposing a complete lockdown across the country, reiterating it will disproportionately affect the poor.
PM Imran was addressing media in Lahore on Saturday, after chairing a meeting regarding the coronavirus measures in the country.
The prime minister said that a “smart lockdown” will be imposed, adding that the government will ensure that the standard operating procedures are followed.
The premier said that he made a decision along with the Punjab government officials, to identify and shut down hotspots.
PM Imran said that the Corona Relief Tiger Force will recruit more volunteers and assist the government in ensuring the rules are being followed.
“Imposing a lockdown means shutting down the economy,” he said, adding that there was an impression that there was a lockdown imposed in Lahore.
The premier said that “smart lockdown” is the only option for the country, saying that if Pakistan were a rich country then imposing a lockdown would have been an option.
“New York’s mayor, the city which wealthiest in the world, is saying that it is going bankrupt,” said the prime minister, adding that if such a disastrous situation is prevailing in the US city, “then what could happen in Pakistan?”
The PM warned that if the SOPs are not followed, the country will undergo a very tough phase.
“If we are permitting you to resume activities then it is your responsibility to follow the guidelines,” said the premier.
Declaring facemasks mandatory for everyone, the premier warned that strict action against those flouting the rules will be taken.
Earlier in the day, PM Imran, who is currently on a visit to Punjab, chaired a meeting regarding the situation of the virus in the country and the province.
The government decided in the meeting against the imposition of a complete lockdown and agreed to ensure a strict implementation of the SOPs.
(Geo News)
