We need to unite in the fight against coronavirus: Shehbaz

PML-N president criticises PM Imran for not acting sooner

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said the nation must unite in the fight against the novel coronavirus.

Speaking at a press conference, the PML-N president said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government must work with the opposition to fight the pandemic that has already infected over 890 people in the country.

"Without bringing politics into it, we need to work together. We need to highlight things that the government is doing wrong and we need to appreciate the government if they're taking the correct steps" he said.

Shehbaz also criticised Prime Minister Imran Khan for not taking the necessary steps, earlier, to combat the spread of the virus.



He said if the correct measures were set in place, such as proper testing mechanisms, correct quarantine protocols, and properly built isolation centres, then the situation in Pakistan would not have escalated further.

Shehbaz requested the prime minister to call a council of common interests meeting to work together to curb the spread of the virus, similar to the steps taken by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif after the Army Public School attack in 2014.

He urged the government to order ventilators from abroad, the same way the PML-N government ordered platelet machines from Germany during dengue epidemic in the province.

In addition, personal protective equipment for doctors, nurses and medical staff should be ordered to protect them for the virus, he said further.

Shehbaz further underscored the need for free coronavirus tests and said, "The rich would easily access it but for a poor person, how will he collect so much money for the test?"



The PML-N preside further said the government should implement a plan to help citizens who cannot afford basic necessities and appealed to the nation to help those in need during this difficult time.

Shehbaz advised the prime minister to reduce the interest rate by three to four per cent and spend money on coronavirus tests.

He said to reduce the price of oil to help citizens, which would, in turn, reduce inflation. "The government will not be affected at all."

Referring to the high electricity and gas bills, the PML-N supremo also urged the government to either excuse the monthly bill or defer the payments for the time being.