Lahore (Web Desk): Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said that the government will impose a 'selective lockdown' to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Addressing a news conference in Lahore, the premier dismissed the idea of reimposing a strict lockdown amid the sharp rise in Covid-19 cases.
"Now we will impose a selective lockdown and seal off the virus hot-spots," he said, adding that he made the decision along with the Punjab government team.
PM Imran said country's administration and police cannot afford a huge burden of a complete lockdown.
He reiterated that in South Asian countries, the burden of a lockdown would fall on the poor people who rely on daily wages.
"For countries like us, the only option is a smart lockdown so that the burden doesn't fall on poor people," Imran Khan said.
The PM said that the government will ensure the implementation of the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
He warned that the country will undergo a very tough phase if the SOPs are not followed.
Declaring facemasks mandatory for everyone, the premier warned that strict action against those flouting the rules will be taken.
Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan, while presiding over a high level meeting in Lahore, ordered the authorities concerned to take appropriate measures to ensure implementation of the SOPs in Punjab and take stern action against its violation.
On the occasion, the premier was given detailed briefing about the measures taken for checking the spread of coronavirus in the province.
The meeting decided to take special measures to contain the rapid spread of coronavirus in the province in general and in Lahore in particular.
Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar, Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar, Chairman NDMA Lt. General Muhammad Afzal, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Shahbaz Gil, Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid and other authorities attended the meeting.
