–Yusuf urges overseas Pakistanis to postpone home return plans
–Bakhtyar says no food shortage in country
–NDMA chief says talks underway with Chinese firms for procurement of medical equipment
ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza has emphasised the need for individual and collective action at all levels to overcome the threat of coronavirus in the country.
In his daily media briefing along with Minister for National Food Security Khusro Bakhtyar, Special Assistant on National Security, Moeed Yusuf and NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Muhammad Afzal here on Monday, he said the nation can protect itself only by taking preventive measures.
Dr Zafar Mirza strictly advised the people against going outside their homes without any valid reason.
He said washing hands with soap for 20 seconds is mandatory for hygiene and cleanliness.
Briefing the media persons, Special Assistant Moeed Yusuf said the government is in contact with all airlines and countries where Pakistanis are stranded. He said due to government efforts, Pakistanis stranded in Qatar will reach Pakistan Monday night. Similarly, Pakistanis stuck in UAE will also soon arrive in the country through a special flight.
He said some of Pakistanis in Istanbul have been granted further visas and stays in Turkey till the time they are able to travel to Pakistan. He appealed the Pakistanis overseas to postpone their travel plans to Pakistan for the next two weeks due to prevalent situation.
Federal Minister for Food Security Khusro Bakhtyar said there is no food shortage in the country.
He said the country has wheat reserves of 1.8 million tons. He said wheat costing 288 billion rupees will be purchased to ensure availability of commodity in the country. He said the country has also sufficient stock of pulses for the next two months.
Bakhtyar said the country has more than 200,000 metric tons of edible oil that is sufficient for the use of next two months.
Similarly, we have 70,000 tons of rice that is twice the requirement of country. He said Pakistan is self-sufficient in livestock, poultry and milk.
Speaking on the occasion, NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Muhammad Afzal said the authority has been provided all possible funds by the government. He said better screening is being done for passengers of incoming flights.
He said personal protective equipment will be provided to all health workers.
The chairman NDMA said negotiations are underway with Chinese authorities and companies for procurement of health equipment and funds will be sent to them through Pakistani embassy in China.
He said 500,000 masks, including 5,000 N-95, will be received from founder of Ali Baba soon. He expressed hope that 120 ventilators will arrive by Friday next from China.
Lt Gen Muhammad Afzal said a Chinese health team will visit Pakistan soon and provide consultancy to health officials in all four provinces.
