Web Desk
April 14, 2020
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".
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