ISLAMABAD, March 17: “Ghabrana nahi hai (you shouldn’t panic),” the premier said in his address to the nation, adding that the public should take precautions to prevent the virus from spreading.
He also urged religious scholars to guide the people in coping with the challenge.
An economic committee will be formed to review the effects the COVID-19 crisis will have on the economy, says PM Imran Khan.
The premier says that the government suspects that an artificial shortage of basic commodities will be created, which will cause prices to go up. He warns hoarders against “trying to take advantage of public’s helplessness”.
Coronavirus will spread further, cautions PM Imran
“Bear in mind that this virus will spread,” cautions PM Imran Khan in his address to the nation.
He points out that even developed countries could not curb the COVID-19.
PM Imran Khan says national shutdown in Pakistan is not possible as “our situation is not the same as that of the US or Europe”.
The premier says due to poverty, a shutdown would only lead to more problems and complications.
“Our people will die from hunger [if we impose a national shutdown] to save them from coronavirus,” he says.
“This virus is a type of flu and what sets it apart is that it spreads very quickly. But 97 per cent of the people survive,” Prime Minister Imran Khan says while addressing the nation on the novel coronavirus.-Agencies
