Deepak Perwani offers to produce protective gear against COVID-19

Sindh Governor Imran Ismail on Wednesday said that doctors, nurses, paramedical staff and volunteers are the front-line soldiers in the war against COVID-19, so every step will be taken to ensure their safety and well-being.

He said this while talking to a four-member delegation representing the fashion designing and textile industry who had called on him at the Governor House. The delegation was led by fashion designer Deepak Perwani. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf lawmaker Sidra Imran was also present on the occasion.

Matters relating to the local production of protective gear against the coronavirus pandemic, the needs of the Corona Relief Tiger Force announced by the prime minister, less dependence on imported items and other matters of mutual interest were discussed during the meeting.

Governor Ismail said the availability of personal protective gear for health care professionals was of paramount importance, and due to the difficulties in its availability, the local manufacture of such gear would be encouraged by the government.

He said health care professionals and volunteers engaged in looking after COVID-19 patients were working tirelessly, and the entire nation salutes them for their contributions. They are our heroes and all of us are grateful to them, he added.

He asked for details of the planned local manufacture of protective gear for health care professionals fighting against the coronavirus emergency, saying that he would personally look into the issue and facilitate them.

He said COVID-19 was a national issue, adding that devoted, dedicated and, most importantly, combined efforts were needed nationwide for the prevention and elimination of the challenge.

Perwani said on the occasion that the textile and fashion designing industry considered it their national duty to provide whatever was required to facilitate the health professionals and volunteers in the challenging times faced by the country. The other members of the delegation were Kehkashan Saiyed, Furqan Riaz and Shozaib Kapadia.

Kamal phones Ismail

In a telephonic conversation with Sindh Governor Imran Ismail on Wednesday, Pak Sarzameen Party chief Mustafa Kamal said millions of poor fishermen were vulnerable to starvation due to the lockdown since they are left with no source of livelihood at this crucial time.

Kamal said they caught fishes on a daily basis which is the only source of income to support their families, a PSP statement said.

The PSP chief said the Sindh government had lifted the ban on fishermen after they gave assurance of adopting coronavirus related precautionary measures, yet the Pakistan Coast Guards and other federal agencies had been barring them from fishing which was a gross injustice with them.

The governor assured Kamal of lifting the ban on fishermen and issuing NOCs to them. He also assured Kamal of resolving issues being faced by the poor fishermen settled across the Indus coastline in the backdrop of lockdown.

The PSP statement said after the fishermen community came to know about Kamal’s call to the governor, they thanks the PSP chief for his effort.

Earlier on Tuesday, a delegation of the fishermen, headed by Haji Ali, met Kamal at the PSP headquarter, the Pakistan House, and informed him about their problems.