Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday vowed to ramp up punitive measures for violators of safety protocols enforced to safeguard against the coronavirus, saying they will be “locked up”.
“I will review the whole country’s situation with regard to standard operating procedures from PM’s office,” said the premier.
“I have reports from Punjab and Sindh about adherence to SOPs. I know about mosques, courts, public offices, parks, industries, shopping malls, shops, local transport and inter-city travel and private transport.
“I will get a daily report,” he said, issuing a stark warning to those flouting the rules.
The premier said he will take action based on this report. Addressing managers and owners of businesses and transport, he said: “Whomever is found not abiding by the SOPs will be shut down — shops, malls, factories and even neighbourhoods found violating the rules will be cordoned off.”
He said the Tiger Force will assist the administration to ensure implementation of SOPs.
“The government was not dealing with it as strictly before because we were gathering data,” said PM Imran. “But now I will ensure the full force of the law with my administration’s assistance.”
He regretted people were demonstrating a very lackadaisical attitude.
“People say we have not seen any corona. We do not know of anyone dying from corona,” he said, quoting such people.
The premier said this is “a very dangerous mindset”. “Coronavirus cases will only increase and the peak is next month.”
The premier said it is a national “duty” to abide by the safety rules, with a view to saving lives and he is placing his stock in people to follow SOPs.
PM Imran said with “intelligent” means, the economy must be kept going and a track and trace mechanism should be deployed to only lockdown select areas where the virus is rapidly spreading.
