Social distancing only way to prevent coronavirus: FM Qureshi
Foreign minister also urges people to follow government's instructions
Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi. PHOTO: FILE
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Sunday that social distancing is the "only way to prevent the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic".
He urged the people to take responsibility and follow instructions being given by the government.
Giving examples of the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, France and other European countries, Qureshi said that due to carelessness all these nations are facing a major crisis despite having a lot of resources at their disposal.
He lamented that even though Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah appealed to the public to self-quarantine for three days, his warnings were largely ignored.
The foreign minister added that the people even came out to protest the quarantine center established in Sukkur for pilgrims who arrived from Taftan and had tested positive.
The top diplomat said that Prime Minister Imran Khan told the nation about the rapidly changing situation and that he continues to assess it on a daily basis.
PM Imran had said that the situation was changing rapidly and he would continue to assess the situation on a daily basis and take action.
"We are not separated from the provinces vice versa. We have to adopt a national policy," he added.
FM Qureshi further said that instead of making separate decisions, all provinces should submit their proposals to the National Coordination Committee which will formulate a viable steps for the federal government to consider and implement.
He also said that despite both the provincial and federal government informing the media, people are still not taking the situation seriously. "We must work together with the provinces to adopt an integrated strategy."
He urged the people to take responsibility and follow instructions being given by the government.
Giving examples of the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, France and other European countries, Qureshi said that due to carelessness all these nations are facing a major crisis despite having a lot of resources at their disposal.
He lamented that even though Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah appealed to the public to self-quarantine for three days, his warnings were largely ignored.
The foreign minister added that the people even came out to protest the quarantine center established in Sukkur for pilgrims who arrived from Taftan and had tested positive.
The top diplomat said that Prime Minister Imran Khan told the nation about the rapidly changing situation and that he continues to assess it on a daily basis.
PM Imran had said that the situation was changing rapidly and he would continue to assess the situation on a daily basis and take action.
"We are not separated from the provinces vice versa. We have to adopt a national policy," he added.
FM Qureshi further said that instead of making separate decisions, all provinces should submit their proposals to the National Coordination Committee which will formulate a viable steps for the federal government to consider and implement.
He also said that despite both the provincial and federal government informing the media, people are still not taking the situation seriously. "We must work together with the provinces to adopt an integrated strategy."