Coronavirus awareness drive launched in Balochistan

Jam Kamal Khan discusses outbreak with WHO country head

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal has said the provincial government has launched an awareness campaign with the assistance of the media about the precautionary measures that could be taken against China's fast-spreading coronavirus.

He was speaking with WHO country head Dr Palitha Gunarathna Mahipala in Quetta.

The WHO has declared a global emergency after the virus spread to two dozen nations and killed 259 people in China where it originated in the city of Wuhan.

The global body has praised China’s response but said it was concerned about the virus spreading to countries that did not have the resources to deal with it.

So far, there has been no confirmed case of the virus in Pakistan, though media reports claim that some suspected cases have been reported at hospitals in Multan and Lahore.

As a precautionary measure, the government has installed thermo scanners at all major airports of the country, including at the Wagah border crossing, to screen travellers in an effort to contain the fast-moving virus.

Dr Palitha informed the CM that scientists were yet to come up with a vaccine for the virus but precautionary measures could prevent the spread of the disease.

“The WHO has been assisting countries in the screening of the coronavirus,” she added.

“We will also support the Balochistan government in the prevention of the virus.”

Kamal also informed the WHO country head about the health emergency in the rain and snow-hit areas of the province.

Pasni Shipyard

Balochistan chief minister on Friday also met Federal Minister for Defence Production Zubaida Jalal to discuss Pasni Shipyard to be developed by the federal ministry at Pasni city of the Gwadar district.

The Balochistan cabinet on January 21 approved allotment of 750 acres of land to the ministry for construction of the shipyard and Zobaida Jalal thanked the CM for this move.

The CM also expressed hope that the initiative will be beneficial for development of Gwadar and create vast job and economic opportunities for people of Makran Division.

Laying stressing on skill development and training courses for local people, the CM urged the federal government to assist the government of Balochistan in launching skill development programmes for the provincial youth.

Zubaida said the incumbent government is keen to provide job opportunities for local youth at Pasni Shipyard. She also pledged to provide training facilities for provincial youth.