ISLAMABAD: A meeting of the federal cabinet on Tuesday chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan rejected a proposal to declare a health emergency in the country after confirmation of five cases of the novel coronavirus.
Briefing media on the meeting of the federal cabinet, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said the federal cabinet was given a detailed briefing on the situation on coronavirus in the country.
The cabinet emphasised to strengthen coordination between provinces to increase awareness among the people. The meeting was informed that all entry points to the country are being strengthened to screen the people coming into the country.
Awan said that it was decided to expedite the screening process of all Pakistanis returning from aboard. She said health authorities shared details of the ongoing screening process of those who had recently visited China and Iran.
She said Pakistan is in a safe zone as only five cases of the coronavirus are reported, adding the nation has to fight the situation rather than create panic. She said that those detected with the virus had a travel history of Iran and the government is in touch with the neighbouring country to deal with the situation.
During the meeting, the prime minister directed the provincial governments to devise an effective mechanism for measuring demand and supply of edible items in the country to provide relief to the people.
The prime minister has directed provincial governments to take strict action against profiteers, adulterers, and hoarders and ensure the provision of edible items of daily use to people on affordable rates.
Ms Awan said the provision of relief to the people is the main priority of the government. She said the prime minister took notice of the reports of corporal punishment to children in schools and directed the minister concerned to devise a course of action to stop this practice.
Minister of Energy Omar Ayub Khan presented a comprehensive roadmap on demand and supply of electricity, high rates of utility bills, circular debt and infrastructure and related issues.
PM Imran Khan appreciated the performance of the energy minister. It was also informed that effective legislation is being prepared to deal with power thieves. He directed for finding out of box solutions for energy losses and power distribution and to set medium and long term goals.
The prime minister decided that the bill on Pakistan Medical Commission be passed on a priority basis in cooperation with all political parties. Federal ministers Asad Umar and Pervez Khattak were tasked to approach opposition parties for approving the bill from Senate.
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