Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said that Pakistan has not received any financial assistance from any country or global organisations despite the coronavirus outbreak in the country which has infected more than 11,500 people and claimed over 240 lives, a private TV channel reported.
During a meeting with social media influencers and journalists, he said Pakistan’s economy has been badly hit by the pandemic and despite severe hardships, no country or global organisation lent even a single dollar, adding that only International Monetary Fund (IMF) has given relief in repayment of loans.
Apparently taking a jibe at the political opponents, PM Imran said that many people are spreading false propaganda and resorting to lies on social media. “Those who have made money out of corruption are afraid of free media because they will get exposed,” he said, and added that no matter how many lies are told, people will eventually find the truth.
He said that no one can predict when the coronavirus crisis will end but the government was relaxing the lockdown in phases. He further said that the government will introduce track and trace system with the help of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), adding that it will help in identifying coronavirus hotspots across the country.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said parliament is reflective of the people’s aspirations and emphasized on an effective role of the institution in containing the spread of Covid-19 epidemic. In a meeting with Speaker National Assembly, the prime minister said implementation of the decisions made at parliamentary level is a top priority. He said the government is taking measures to control the virus, adding that unity of nation is vital in fighting this challenge. The prime minister lauded the steps of functional committee set up by Speaker National Assembly for pilgrims and Tableeghi Jamaat. The NA speaker apprised the prime minister about the steps taken at the parliamentary level. A special parliamentary committee comprising the parliamentary leaders has submitted effective proposals to control Covid-19, he added.
Asad Qaiser said due to timely steps taken by the government, the intensity of coronavirus cases was less as expected earlier. He also updated the prime minister regarding holding of the session of National Assembly. A committee headed by Syed Fakhar Imam is deliberating in this regard.
