PM says Pakistan's smart lockdown policy proved successful

PM says Pakistan's smart lockdown policy proved successful

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that Pakistan is among the few countries that have largely controlled the novel coronavirus pandemic in a short period.

Addressing the media on Monday, he said the deaths reported due to Coronavirus yesterday were the lowest in three months.

The premier said with a continuous declining trend of Coronavirus cases in the country, the pressure on hospitals has reduced.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government was the first that adopted policy of smart lockdown, which proved successful, PM Imran said, adding that other countries replicated this policy.

"The countries that enforced complete lockdown, such as India, suffered a lot in respect of increase in poverty," the PM noted.

He said that disbursement of amount among the needy under Ehsaas Program during the pandemic was another success story of the government.

PM Imran warned of another spike in COVID-19 cases if the predetermined standard operating procedures (SOPs) were ignored on the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha and the holy month of Muharram.

He said in case of increase in the cases after Eid and Muharram, the government will have to impose lockdown again, which will negatively affect economy of the country.

The prime minister appealed to people to strictly observe standard operating procedures against Covid-19 during the Eid and Muharram.