PM Imran Khan's address on the rising debate of Lock down

Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan addressed to the Nation as on 22nd March 2020 to talk about the rising debate of Lock Down in Pakistan.

Here is what he had to say on it:-

My dear Pakistanis,

The purpose of talking to you today is to you address a rising debate of Lock down. What is a complete lock down? A complete lock down means a curfew where we have to call in police and army to ensure that no one comes out of his/her home.

We need to understand that 25% Pakistanis are living below the poverty line. These people cannot afford two proper meals. A complete lock down means that people like rickshaw driver, daily wages, taxi drivers, corner shop owners will face immense financial challenges. They will be limited to their homes and won’t be able to feed their families. We don’t have enough resources to provide for them. China is the second richest country, they could afford to provide for their people. I have to think about these 25% citizen of Pakistan.

The solution is self-isolation. You must observe self-isolation or if you have flu or cough, practice self-quarantine. There are 90% chances that you will recover. It is our elderly who need proper care and healthcare assistance.

If our people will not practice caution and this disease spreads, it will be a disaster. If People will have vacation, arrange gathering; it will widely spread. It will be fatal for our senior citizens.

Please Discipline yourself and be wise. We have closed all big malls and postponed cricket matches. Now, it is your responsibility to practice Social Distancing.

Allah has said that Allah test the faith of his follower through tough times. The character of the nation emerges in tough time. In 2005’s earthquake & during flood times, I have seen this nation coming together. The way this nation responded to those calamities is amazing. Today, I need you all to practice self-discipline & social distancing.

If I will impose a lock down, it will have adverse effects. If you have fever, cough or flu – please go into self-quarantine. The more you will self-discipline, the more we will have better chances against this Pandemic. The way China came out victorious, will we too.

My team & I are taking all measures to support our economy and industries. If you fear food shortage, let me assure you that we have enough to cater all. Important this is not to Panic. Panic is more fatal than Corona virus itself. If people will start hoarding, it will cause shortage of food. It might lead to grave consequences. My team and I are on top of this. We are looking into the matter like How to make your life easy, how to tackle hurdles etc.

Media has an important role, please ensure that there is no panic. We have to fight this together. The key is to practice precaution and self-discipline. The way China has controlled it, we will do the same.

Long live Pakistan.