Shahbaz appeals nation to act on directives issued by govt

STAFF REPORTER
LAHORE Pakistan Muslim League-N president Shahbaz Sharif on Tuesday appealed the nation to act on the directives issued by the government of Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf in order to curb the spread of coronavirus. In his address via video link, Shahbaz said now was no time to do politics and the entire nation needs to come together to combat the coronavirus pandemic. We should avoid doing politics on the current scenario and also refrain from using such words which can divide the nation, he requested. The PML-N president said he stands with the families of those who have passed away from the disease. “Today, the number of cases in the country stands at 908 and a positive case has also been reported in a Lahore prison,” he said. “I was in London with my brother. Nawaz [Sharif] sent me to Pakistan when the epidemic broke,” Shahbaz added. “We need to come together at this time and play our part in combating the virus. The political leadership had called for a lockdown but it did not happen.” “It is good to see the provinces taking action and enforcing the lockdown. The Punjab government did the right thing,” he noted. “Time demands that we turn this challenge into an opportunity and face this crisis jointly,” he remarked. “I believe we will come out of this crisis,” Shahbaz added. Speaking about the arrangements at Taftan, the PML-N leader said if protocols had been followed, the situation would not have deteriorated. “If there had been proper testing, quarantine, isolation centres, then this outbreak would not have happened in Pakistan,” he said. “We need to move forward and solve this issue. There is no cure for this disease yet, which is why we should take precautions and be responsible. I urge the citizens to cooperate with the government,” he added. “I believe we will come out of this challenge,” Shahbaz added. He said that everyone should follow the guidelines given to them. “I have asked my party workers to cooperate with law enforcement agencies during this time,” he said. The former Punjab chief minister urged the prime minister to summon a session of the Council of Common Interests to address the issue.