PM appeals opposition to postpone gatherings as hospitals touch 40pc capacity

PM appeals opposition to postpone gatherings as hospitals touch 40pc capacity
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APP DigitalISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP): Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday appealed the opposition parties to postpone their public gatherings for sake of people’s lives as COVID-19 patients had already occupied 40 percent of country’s hospitals.

“In Multan, 64 percent of hospitals’ beds are full, 40 percent in Peshawar, 50 percent in Islamabad. At an average, 40 percent of country’s hospitals are under occupancy,” the prime minister said in a briefing after chairing the meeting of National Coordination Committee on COVID-19 here.

He made it clear that the opposition’s public gatherings would make no difference for the government rather it was tantamount to playing with people’s lives.

He viewed that the public gatherings would do nothing but to enhance the chances of spreading virus when the pressure at healthcare system including doctors and nurses was already on rise.

He said the opposition parties could hold gatherings after two or three months for sake of people’s lives for what the government had already closed down educational institutions, indoor wedding ceremonies and dining at restaurants.

The prime minister said amid the opposition’s public gatherings, it was difficult for the government to justify the enforcement of SOPs like social distancing on other sectors like businesses and mosques.

He said the enforcement of SOPs during the second wave was already a challenge across the world as the people were resisting the governments’ decisions.

He said during the first wave, Pakistan had successfully navigated because the people had taken the precautions as a nation and showed discipline.

He said the England and California were again under lockdown and Pakistan could avert any worst scenario just by adhering to the precautions.

The prime minister said the indoor gatherings of the people during winter increased the chances of virus spread and any violation of the SOPs would put hospitals under immense pressure to make the country face difficult time.

He said Pakistanis, as nation would have to take precautions with use of face mask above all.

He told the people that India had faced around 150,000 deaths and around 400 people were dying a day in Iran.

“(Therefore) We will have to assist ourselves if we need Allah’s assistance,” he remarked.

By Ishtiaq Rao

Ishtiaq Ahmed is a Sr. Reporter who reports on Prime Minister, President, Foreign Office, and special assignments. Backed by 20-year experience, he has written for local and foreign newspapers. Reach out at 03335293238/ [email protected]/ X: ishtiaqrao

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