Opposition slammed for politicising Covid-19.

Byline: Kalbe Ali

ISLAMABAD -- Minister for InforAmation Shibli Faraz on Monday criticised the main opposition parties for doing politics over the coronavirus pandemic and asked them to be rational and keep the interest of the masses their top priority.

Pakistan being a poor country with limited resources could not bear such prolonged lockdown and the poor could not be deprived of their livelihood, Mr Faraz said at a press conference.

He said the Supreme Court's latest decision regarding lockdown should be observed in letter and spirit by the opposition parties, too, as the gradual opening of markets and transport was essential for the economic health of society.

However, he regretted that those who looted the country and brought the nation to the brink of bankruptcy were trying to play politics in these conditions. 'I request the opposition to be rational and it was not the time for politics,' he said.

He criticised the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, rebuking its leadership for what he called creating confusion and spreading misgivings among the masses.

'They hold press conferences and try to give a wrong picture to the citizens, claiming that there was no coronavirus fighting plan with the government. But this is not correct and we request for joint efforts to address this situation. The government is trying to address the issues faced by all segments of society,' he added.

Regarding the relations between the PTI-led federal government and the PPP-led Sindh government, the minister said the provincial government had done a lot of politics...