SOPs must be followed in parliament: Fawad Chaudhry

Science Minister suggests holding sessions in open areas

ISLAMABAD: Science Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Friday stressed the need for proper implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) against the coronavirus in parliament and warned that physical sessions can be a more challenging situation.

“In results of the direct sessions of parliament, we are witnessing a number of coronavirus related deaths and cases among lawmakers,” he said while talking to a private news channel.

The minister has been vocal about virtual sessions of parliament to avoid the risk of getting infected with Covid-19. No doubt parliament sessions are necessary, he said, but people’s health is also important.



Many other countries – including Brazil, China, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway and Taiwan – are utilising videoconferencing and/or other electronic means to maintain some legislative activities, he added.

He suggested that lawmakers can hold the upcoming sessions in any open areas with proper maintaining social distancing, less number of members and following all SOPs.

To a question on lockdown, Fawad said the coronavirus pandemic is a global threat confronted by all the countries of the world and stressed that everyone must follow the World Health Organisation guidelines and SOPs.

The federal government has come up with a balancing strategy of smart lockdown to help the weaker segments to earn their routine livelihood, he added. “It also allowed the economy to function smoothly within the guidelines of preventive measure.”

Under the smart lockdown, the minister elaborated that those areas and shops would be closed where the outbreak has taken place while certain economic activities would be allowed to operate. “With this strategy, the poor segment of the society might not fall prey to hunger and extreme poverty,” he said.

Fawad called upon the public to practice social distancing and adopt other precautionary measures to help prevent the coronavirus spread.

“The easing of lockdown does not mean that the coronavirus has ended. But it cannot be overcome until its vaccination or medicine is invented,” the minister added.