Covid-19 pandemic has least effects on industries & economic activities as a result of relief measures taken by govt: PM Imran Khan


ISLAMABAD, Feb 11 (SABAH): Omicron cases have started declining in Pakistan due to government’s measures to ensure strict implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

This was told in a meeting regarding anti-Corona measures, which met in Islamabad on Friday with Prime Minister Imran Khan in the chair.

It was also informed that the number of Omicron patients receiving intensive care is 71 percent less than the fourth wave. Since yesterday, the number of positive cases decreased by 6.8 percent, while hospitalization and the need for intensive care did not increase, which is a positive trend? It was said that the new wave of Corona in Pakistan is causing an average of 42 deaths per day.

Besides, the meeting was briefed on the progress made on the corona vaccine. It was said that 90 million out of 150 million population of over 12 years of age have been fully vaccinated so far and by this number will increase to 110 million by next month.  In addition, 115 million people have received a single dose and will reach to 130 million by next month. At present, 61,329 teams are working for the first phase of Every Pakistani is Safe vaccination in the country and doses of 2.2 million vaccines are being administered daily. Vaccination Phase II will begin on 7th of the next month. Fifty nine percent of students between the ages of 12 and 17 have been fully vaccinated and 3.4 million people over the age of 18 have been given booster doses.

The meeting was further informed that there is sufficient stock in the country for vaccination of the entire population.

At the provincial level, Punjab ranks first in terms of vaccine speed, followed by Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and other areas.

The meeting was also briefed on the future course of action regarding vaccination and appreciation of the front line health workers during the Corona pandemic.

The Prime Minister commended the performance of National Command and Operation Centre and the Ministry of National Health Services and directed to ensure implementation of SOPs and expedite vaccination.

He commended the sacrifices and services of the frontline workers in containing spread of the contagion.

Imran Khan said that Covid-19 pandemic has least effects on industries and economic activities as a result of relief measures taken by the government.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Imran Khan says overseas Pakistanis are our precious asset and government is taking unprecedented steps to facilitate them.

Chairing a meeting of Roshan Digital Accounts in Islamabad on Friday, he said government’s measures like granting voting rights to overseas Pakistanis and online issuance of certificates of power of attorney and inheritance will have far reaching impact for their welfare and facilitation.

The Prime Minister was apprised that remittances worth over three billion dollars have so far been received through Roshan Digital Accounts. Imran Khan directed the State Bank of Pakistan to provide online facilitation on real time basis to overseas Pakistanis for sending their money to Pakistan.

He also instructed the concerned authorities to launch an effective marketing campaign to convince overseas Pakistanis to use Roshan Digital Accounts.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Imran Khan paid a surprise visit to the under-construction apartments of Naya Pakistan Housing Programme in G-13 sector of Islamabad on Friday. The Prime Minister reviewed the progress of the ongoing project and directed its early completion. The Naya Pakistan housing programme is aimed at providing affordable residence to people.