Coronavirus in Pakistan: Nationwide health emergency recommended

A National Security Committee meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan has recommended a nationwide health emergency in the wake of the Corona virus.

According to details, a meeting of the National Security Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan, took place in the Prime Minister’s House, in which important decisions were taken to prevent the Coronavirus.

At the meeting, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Dr. Zafar Mirza, briefed the Security Committee on the coronavirus.

Awareness Campaigns

The Prime Minister directed to launch a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of Corona virus and to run a media campaign to raise awareness about the virus.

March 23 parade canceled

The meeting decided to cancel the Defense Day parade which was going to held on March 23, while the western borders were also closed for transportation.

PSL without Fans

The meeting decided that the Public gatherings would be banned for 15 days while PSL matches would be played without spectators.

Educational institutions closed

It was also decided at the meeting that educational institutions across the country would remain closed till April 5 including all schools and universities, public and private, vocational institutions and madaris, while the closure of educational institutions would be reviewed again on March 27.

Border closures

It was decided in the meeting that the border between Pakistan and Iran would be closed for 15 days while international flights would also be landed only at airports in Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore.

Ban on Public gatherings

The government also decided to ban public gatherings including weddings at marriage hall as well as cinemas are also being closed and conferences are organised in the country are also being banned.

Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, DG ISI General Faiz Hameed, officials, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Interior Minister Brigadier R Ejaz Shah and Defense Minister Pervez Khattak, Secretary To PM, Interior, Foreign Affairs And the Federal Secretary to the Security Committee also attended the meeting.

Yesterday, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) chaired the Core Commander Conference today at GHQ.

During the meeting emerging situation with regards to COVID-19 and preventive measures taken at Army level were discussed.

COAS directed all concerned to gear up preparations in support of national effort to counter this pandemic in case of any eventuality.