Asad Umar lauds PM's decision to protect lives, livelihoods since start of Covid-19

Warns that several countries have seen third wave of the virus

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar lauded Prime Minister Imran Khan's decisions since the start of the pandemic to protect the lives of the people, as well as their livelihoods.

The federal minister, while addressing the media on Tuesday, said: "Since the first day, the prime minister told us we have two responsibilities: to work to save the lives of the people and to save their jobs."

Asad Umar warned that several countries have seen the third wave of Covid-19 and appealed to the citizens to continue following standard operating procedures (SOPs) to contain the spread of the virus.

He said the World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President Volkan Bozkir and Bill Gates among others, recognised Pakistan's handling of Covid-19.

The federal minister maintained that the second wave of the virus has been worse in countries like the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) and warned others to continue acting responsibly.

Moreover, Asad Umar highlighted that the federal government had warned the public about the second wave of the virus in October.

"In November, we noticed a rapid increase in the number of cases and took steps at the end of November regarding sectors/activities that were responsible for the increase, including restaurants, marriage halls and educational institutions," he added.

The federal minister said the first week of December 2020 saw fewer coronavirus cases. In the second week, there was an increase in the number of people put on ventilators and the third week again saw fewer cases.