'No lockdown, period!' / Daily times.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan Sunday appealed to the nation to impose self-discipline and not indulge in panic buying, as with collective efforts, they would overcome the threats of coronavirus (COVID 19) pandemic.

In his second televised address to the nation after the country reported above 700 coronavirus cases, the prime minister said that they were not going for complete lockdown as the situation in Pakistan was different from the rest of the world. It would create economic woes as 25 percent chunk of its population was living below the poverty line.

"The issue of panic is more dangerous than coronavirus. If all go on panic buying, it will result in irreparable damage to society," he stressed.

Noting a difference between the situation in Pakistan and those of US, UK, Italy and France after the COVID 19 pandemic, he said the complete lockdown would mean imposition of curfew across the country with the law enforcement agencies and armed forces on the streets to enforce it.

"In case of such a scenario, what would become of the labourers, daily wagers and rickshaw and taxi drivers?" he said, adding they would have no resources to look after their families. Similarly, he said the government did not have the resources to cater to their needs.

The prime minister said China did it because it was the second richest country in the world with adequate system and abundant resources.

Reminding the nation to adopt precautionary measures, he said, "They should go for self-quarantine. If you have symptoms like flu and cough, stay inside your homes instead of visiting hospitals."

The prime minister observed that about 90 percent affected persons from the disease had mild symptoms and they recovered quickly. The disease posed serious threats to the elderly and senile population or those who had respiratory complications.

"The pandemic could spread quickly, if the nation did not take precautionary measures," he warned.

The prime minister said that social distancing should be given preferences instead holding marriages or other social gatherings insides homes, as it would be an injustice with the old population of the country who were the most vulnerable segment of society.

"My advice is to impose discipline upon yourself, take care of yourself and avoid going outside," he stressed.

The prime minister said the government had already issued directives for the closure of shopping malls and rescheduling of cricket events.

The prime minister said Allah...

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