Lawmakers in NA seek joint session of parliament to discuss coronavirus.

ISLAMABAD: The lawmakers from government and the opposition parties in the National Assembly on Friday called for calling joint session of the parliament to discuss steps to control spread of coronavirus epidemic.

Speaking on a point of order in the National Assembly, former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said joint session of parliament should be summoned immediately to discuss coronavirus and the steps being taken at the government level for controlling its spread. He said the government and the opposition should sit together to discuss the issue and devise a strategy to control it since it has already affected almost the whole world.

He said the opposition will not do politics on the issue as members of the opposition are ready to sit with the government to discuss the matter. However, he was of the view that till date, the government has not taken serious steps to control the deadly virus. He said coronavirus has disturbed the world economy and it may negatively impact Pakistan's economy as well.

Responding to a point highlighted by the former prime minister, Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mahmood said 22 confirmed cases of coronavirus have been reported in the country so far. He said screening of coronavirus has been put in place at all the airports and about one million people have been screened so far. "We are aware of the sensitivity of the issue and the government is taking all possible steps to control the epidemic," he added.

The minister said the government is well-prepared to prevent spread of virus. He said the government has made all-out preparations to provide necessary treatment if anyone in the country is found infected.

About not bringing back Pakistani students from China, he said it was a difficult decision but it had been taken in the best interest of the country. He said the government of China had advised Pakistan not to take back students from the affected province as they were...