LAHORE, APR 04 (DNA): Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed optimism
that Pakistan will come out of corona pandemic situation successfully
with the resolve and discipline of the nation.

He said that the battle against coronavirus is a long one.

Addressing the ceremony of ration distribution and relief fund at
Governor House in Lahore on Saturday, the premier said COVID-19 pandemic
is a test and difficult situation for the nation and people can overcome
it through precautionary measures.

“These are testing times and we have to stand united to fight this,” he
remarked. People who consider difficult times as a test of Allah are the
only ones who can overcome it, he said. “This is the nation’s test and
no one has any experience on how to deal with this,” the PM added.

Imran Khan thanked Governor Punjab Chaudhry Sarwar and the
donors who contributed in the relief fund.

“On one hand we will be adopting all measures to fight coronavirus and
on the other we will continue to take measures aimed at running the
economy so that poor segments of the society do not get affected from
the ongoing situation,” he said.

“We have allowed construction sector to operate during lockdown and are
mulling on daily basis as to which other industry could be allowed to
operate ensuring proper preventive measures,” he said.

He said that difficult times fall on all nations but the situation in
Pakistan was already very bad, therefore, this is a test of the nation.
He highlighted the importance of remaining patient in these testing
times.

He said that it was unfortunate that they have forgot the ideology on
which the country was founded and the religion was only used for
politics and other means rather than learning a lesson to move forward.

The prime minister expressed his gratitude towards philanthropists for
giving away large sums of donations to the fund.

“It is a test for the nation to pass through this difficult phase with
courage and supporting each other,” he said adding that even the
countries having better infrastructure and modern equipment were facing
difficulties to battle against the virus.

Imran Khan also lauded the sports and showbiz celebrities for carrying
out charity works in the country.

The Prime Minister said that the economically prosperous countries are
also facing difficulties; the US provided a relief package of over $2
billion, yet it was still struggling against the virus. He said that
there is a big difference between the economic conditions of rich
countries and Pakistan yet we still presented an $ 8 billion package
with more still to come.

He added that it is a challenge to take care of the underprivileged
class affected by the lockdown as over 10 million people have been
affected. Therefore, the government has opened up the construction
sector for operation. He said that opening of the construction industry
will provide employment to the people.

The Prime Minister said that they are examining the situation of the
virus on a daily basis and during the lockdown, Corona Relief Tiger
Force with 6 million volunteers will assist the administration.

Imran Khan also rubbished claims doing the rounds on social media,
saying the virus will not affect Pakistanis. He said that virus
outbreaks do not discriminate against anyone, they are equally deadly,
therefore, such falsehoods should not be believed.

The Prime Minister also announced that a facebook page is being launched
and that the government has comprehensive database of deserving people,
among whom cash relief will be distributed with no discrimination based
on political affiliation. He said that the virus is a challenge for MNAs
and MPAs, which they should take on to servetheir constituencies.

Addressing a ceremony of the volunteers, Prime Minister Imran Khan said
that those who are in politics only to mint money are incapable of doing
social or welfare work. He said that his political opponents could do
nothing but criticize his government’s efforts.

The Prime Minister urged his party’s parliamentarians to stand with the
people of their constituencies in the coming days. Defeating the
coronavirus will require them to show consistent struggle, but that is
the only way to serve the people.

Earlier, the PM paid a visit to the Expo Center Field Hospital where he
also inspected the treatment facilities for coronavirus affected
patients.

During the visit, Prime Minister Imran Khan inspected various sections
of the field hospital. The Prime Minister also visited diagnostic
counters, rescue, command and control room, ambulance and other
facilities.

During the visit, Chief Minister briefed Prime
Minister Imran Khan that the hospital carries all necessary facilities
and highlighted the joint efforts of Health Department, District
Administration, Rescue 1122 and other departments.

During the visit, PM Imran Khan said that the Punjab government has
established the 1000-bed expo center hospital in record time and soon
enough, the country will be able to overcome the coronavirus.

Earlier, in a tweet, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the government
had previously kept the agricultural sector open to prevent devastating
effects of a lockdown on the underprivileged, and now the construction
sector is also being opened.

Prime Minister Imran Khan wrote that because of the coronavirus, the
government had to close educational institutions, malls, wedding halls,
restaurants and public gatherings in the country.

He said that due to the high poverty rate in the region, the government
has to strike a balance between prevention of the virus as well as
prevention of more poverty and hunger. DNA

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