Covid-19 cases destined to rise, cautions Imran

Ag Agencies

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed fears that the coronavirus pandemic will peak in Pakistan, but no one knows at what rate as he characterised the outbreak as an “extraordinary situation”.

However, he said Pakistan has had relatively fewer fatalities as compared to the ratio around the world while participating in a private television station’s live telethon to shore up support for his Covid-19 fund. Advising the people to take preventive measures against the infection including social distancing and limiting themselves within homes, he however urged law enforcement personnel to avoid taking strict action against those coming out of houses.

“We cannot fight and win the war against Covid-19 by putting people in jails,” Khan said. “If we will not take care of our people, we cannot win this war,” he added, advising that awareness be spread instead.

The Prime Minister hoped that the people of Pakistan, by fighting and winning the war against coronavirus with unity, faith, discipline and sagacity, would emerge as a great and stronger nation. “Nothing is impossible. Every difficulty is considered as a test for us. Allah Almighty has repeatedly said in the Holy Quran that He continues to test our faith. And I hope this [Pakistani] nation will emerge as a great and stronger nation from this test.”