ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday announced to extend the lockdown across the country for the next two weeks with the partial opening of some sectors.
Addressing the nation after a meeting of National Coordination Committee (NCC), the prime minister said the government made the tough decision of imposing lockdown in the country which was very well implemented due to the cooperation of the people.
PM Imran Khan said the government took a number of steps to stop the spread coronavirus in the country which has lead to encouraging results as the spread of coronavirus slowed down to 30 percent of the projected target.
The prime minister said ventilators, protective clothing and other gear has been reaching the country to meet the demand. However, if the cases spike, the existing equipment will be insufficient. He said we are fighting on two fronts, one against containing the spread of coronavirus and second to overcome the unemployment.
He said daily wagers and other businesses are hurt by the lockdown. He said Ehsaas Program, the biggest in the history of the country, is playing a key role in the provision of cash relief to daily wagers and poor people without any political influence.
Imran Khan announced to open the construction industry in cities as it has the lowest risk factor in terms of coronavirus spread. He said there is a consensus between the federal government and the provinces regarding opening the construction sector for providing employment to people. He said an ordinance will be introduced to provide huge incentives to the construction sector to generate job opportunities.
The prime minister said the agriculture sector will also remain open due to the upcoming wheat harvest. He said consultation will be held with religious scholars from various schools of thought to make preparations for the upcoming holy month of Ramazan.
While expressing fear of smuggling of dollar and wheat, the prime minister said ordinances are being introduced soon to discourage the practices of hoarding and smuggling. He said strict penalties will be introduced against the perpetrators of these acts.
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