Leading by example: PM Imran avoids handshake during meeting

PM Imran meets Mualana Tariq Jameel for discussion pertaining to containing the novel coronavirus in Pakistan

Prime Minister Imran Khan avoided shaking hands with a notable religious scholar on Monday as a precautionary measure advised by health experts during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The premier met Maulana Tariq Jameel and the two discussed measures taken to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country.

Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI & Maulana Tariq Jamil leading by example by taking strict precautionary measures in times of Corona Pandemic. We all need to play our role and avoid handshakes & other physical contact to ensure public health & safety#CoronaVirusUpdates pic.twitter.com/ZOJRWpiBI1

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) March 16, 2020

PM Imran requested the renowned cleric to play a role for a temporary ban on religious gatherings in the wake of the virus' outbreak and to also hold special prayers for the country.

The premier also touched upon the decisions of the National Security Committee (NSC) in the meeting.

Sources said Maulana Jameel will issue a statement pertaining to precautionary measures for containing the virus.

Provincial authorities on Monday confirmed 41 new cases of coronavirus in Sindh, pushing the number of confirmed cases in the province to 76 and the national tally to 94.

This is the single largest increase in novel coronavirus cases in the country as of today.

Sindh confirms 41 new coronavirus cases, national tally at 94

On Friday, the prime minister chaired a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) to cobble a unified approach to contain the outbreak.

The huddle was attended by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Lt-Gen Faiz Hameed provincial chief ministers, top advisors and cabinet members.

It was decided to close borders with Iran and Afghanistan, allow only three airports – Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore – to operate international flights in limited numbers while other airports will see domestic flights, and ban public gatherings.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has been tasked to coordinate with provincial governments and lead the fight against novel coronavirus. It was also decided to close all educational institutions until April 5.

The Pakistan Day parade on March 23 has also been cancelled.

The Sindh government has banned public gatherings, shut down educational institutions, postponed religious celebrations and closed shrines, marriage halls, cinemas, gyms, social clubs etc. Punjab government is said to have made a similar decision.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the education institutions have been closed till April 5 and suspended wedding activities around the province.

Balochistan has also limited activities and closed educational institutions until the end of March.