PM warns strict action against SOPs violators

Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday said he would personally monitor the measures to ensure the implementation of safety protocols enforced to safeguard against the coronavirus.

Addressing the nation on the Covid-19 situation, he warned that anyone violating the SOPs would be punished and a strict smart lockdown would be implemented to contain the virus spread.

"I will review the whole country's situation with regard to standard operating procedures from PM's office," said the premier. "I have reports from Punjab and Sindh about adherence to SOPs. I know about mosques, courts, public offices, parks, industries, shopping malls, shops, local transport and inter-city travel and private transport. I will get a daily report," he said, issuing a stark warning to those flouting the rules.

The premier said it was a national "duty" to abide by the safety rules, with a view to saving lives.

Reiterating his stance regarding lockdown, the prime minister said the country was "saved because a complete and extended lockdown" was not enforced.

Referring to a recent international survey, he said that it showed that rich people were "not affected" by the pandemic.

"I said this from day one, think of katchi abaadis and daily wagers. Why were we saved? Because we did not do a complete lockdown, we opened construction sector early."

He added that the way the government had distributed money was the reason why "Pakistan's situation was not like India".

Khan said that the opposition wants the country's economy to "fail so that they can criticise the government further".

“I am thankful that the situation in Pakistan is a lot better than the world and I am proud of my team which had provided guidance after consultations with doctors and experts. I have seen the way in which the world has battled it. I am proud of my team, they did a splendid analysis. We are very fortunate to have such people. We did not come under pressure," he said.