ISLAMABAD: A day after Prime Minister Imran Khan categorically ruled out a national lockdown, deemed necessary to contain the spread of novel coronavirus, Special Assistant to PM on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan on Monday said that the option was still on the table in case the citizenry does not adhere to self-quarantine.
According to reports, Awan noted that the prime minister, in his address a day earlier, had spoken about the economic outfall of a lockdown. She contended, “If the masses do not observe self-isolation, the federal government will think of a nationwide lockdown, however, despite its unwillingness to do the same.”
In his second address in less than a week, Prime Minister Imran had called for a collective approach to tackle the disease which has so far affected some 800 people in Pakistan.
However, Firdous noted that despite repeated calls, there was “no glimpse of such cooperation by the citizenry so far”.
“We appeal to the people to cooperate, as the government has resolved to ensure their safety and protection. Right now, the challenge is to create a realisation among the people about the pandemic and, to deal with this challenge, the media’s cooperation is of utmost importance.”
She emphasised that every individual will have to play their role and in the given situation noting the role of the clerics was particularly critical.
With the emergence of four new cases in Islamabad on Monday morning, the country’s tally now stands at 803, with 6 deaths. Six people have recovered so far.
A day earlier, Prime Minister Imran had announced that his government will not go for a lockdown, despite repeated by the opposition and civil society to do so, citing “enormous” economic disadvantages of such a decision. Sindh, where Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is in power, imposed a provincewide lockdown yesterday, initially for a period of 15 days.
