PM Imran extends Pakistan coronavirus lockdown by two weeks

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan said Tuesday the current lockdown in Pakistan to contain the coronavirus pandemic was to continue for another two weeks at schools and public places but that certain industries, such as construction, would be opened effectively tomorrow.

The prime minister said the decision was made "with the consent of all the provincial chief secretaries and chief ministers" and that there was an 89% consensus on which industries to reopen. After the 18th Amendment, the provinces were given autonomy to make their own decisions in such matters, he noted.

"If even now, provinces think they are not ready for this, it is up to them. The Centre will not impose its decision on them," PM Imran stated.

Speaking of the government's response to the virus so far, he said: "Owing to the restrictions we imposed, the virus did not spread the way it should have. It only spread to an extent of 30% as opposed to our projections."

The premier said the government's projections were based on worldwide trends. "Some 190 people should have died so far but we have less than half the number of deaths from the projected number," he said.

'Continue to exercise caution'

He thanked the people for taking precautions but warned that the people should still all be mindful that "this virus can spread rapidly at any time".

"We need to continue to exercise caution," he added.

Reiterating the need for people to continue to exercise self-discipline, the prime minister said despite the situation not looking as dismal, "if the curve spikes up, our current health system will not be able to meet the challenge".

He said one of the fronts the country was fighting on was the containment of the virus and the other front being the widespread unemployment owing to the lockdown.

Ehsaas Programme 'solely on merit'

To meet that challenge, he said the first approach was to put into action the Ehsaas Programme, which he claimed was without political inteference and "solely on merit". Around 2.8 million families had benefitted from the programme so far and the disbursement would continue, he added.

PM Imran said families who had missed out on receiving funds could still send a text message to 8171 and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) would be used to ascertain if they, too, were deserving.

He expressed his concern over how the government would reach the country's entire population. For that purpose, all hurdles in the way of wheat harvesting had been removed so village dwellers could continue to earn a livelihood, he added, noting that construction work must also resume under the same considerations.

After agriculture, construction provided the greatest number of jobs, the prime minister stated. Citing research by Moody's, he said of the industries with the lowest risk, construction ranked the highest.

Noting that the industry would be opened "in phases", he added: "By tomorrow, an ordinance will be introduced under which unprecedented incentives will be given to the construction industry."

Stranded Pakistanis

Referring to the numerous Pakistanis stranded in various countries due to airspace closures, PM Imran assured them that their dilemma had been a constant subject of debate in the government. He said the spread of the disease in the country had largely occurred when pilgrims from Taftan and travelers from abroad returned.

PM Imran said there was fear that if the country was not wholly prepared in terms of testing and quarantine facilities, then an influx of people could cause the spread of the virus by rapid proportions. A strategy, however, had now been developed to bring them back in phases, he mentioned.

Punishments 'like never before'

On Ramazan, the PM said he would invite counsel by Ulema on how worship during the holy month could continue and how people would be protected from the coronavirus.

"Before Ramazan, we will let you know how we will be balancing the two [...] There will be a national response."

The prime minister said a strict ordinance would be introduced to safeguard against smuggling of wheat and foreign exchange as well as pre-Ramazan hoarding. "These hoarders who make a killing before and during Ramazan, [...] we will not only nab the managers, but the owners," he emphasised.

He said punishments "like never before" would be given to those found responsible for hoarding or smuggling of goods, as well as those involved in creating artificial shortages or causing price hikes.