PM Imran directs for strict implementation of smart lockdowns.

ISLAMABAD -- Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday directed the relevant authorities to ensure implementation of the smart lockdown strategy by involving of local community leaders as well as the volunteers of the Tiger Force.

Chairing a review meeting on the pandemic situation, the prime minister also directed for finalisation of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Eidul Azha in consultation with the provincial governments as soon as possible.

'This time, Eidul Azha will be being celebrated under extraordinary circumstances. The current situation demands that clear SOPs should be formulated as soon as possible for the protection of the people and their strict implementation be ensured,' the prime minister said.

Imran said that implementation of the smart lockdown strategy must be ensured. He directed for involving of local leaders and the communities. He also called for seeking help from the Tiger Force to create public awareness about the lockdowns and their implementation.

The meeting discussed the overall pandemic situation, increase in the number of oxygenated beds in hospitals, demand and supply of oxygen, implementation of smart lockdown in affected areas and the arrangements for Eidul Azha.

On the occasion, the prime minister was briefed about the efforts being made to increase the number of beds reserved for Covid-19 patients in the hospitals in all the four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt Gen Muhammad Afzal briefed the meeting about the supply of beds to the various hospitals in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Islamabad. He added the beds capacity would be...