'Lockdown Pakistan': Twitterati urge PM Imran to take stronger measures against Covid-19
People fear Pakistan's trajectory of coronavirus matches that of Italy at the moment.
As the number of coronavirus cases in the country crossed the 500-mark, concerned Pakistani citizens took to Twitter to urge the prime minister to impose a lockdown in the country as a precautionary measure to control the spread of coronavirus.
A day earlier, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had urged people in Karachi to self-isolate voluntarily for three days. The province has been under partial lockdown.
Omar Nadeem, owner of the Quetta Gladiators franchise in a post on Twitter said he was "breaking his silence" to urge the premier to impose a lockdown in the country.
Singer Ali Zafar also tweeted comparing the number of coronavirus patients in Italy and Pakistan and questioning where Pakistan would stand in terms of virus infections after a month.
Renowned economist Atif Mian in a Twitter thread laid out some of the steps he believed were needed to "protect Pakistan's people and economy". Calling the situation in the country an "emergency", he urged the closure of all non-essential activities to stop the spread of the virus.
Actress Mansha Pasha tweeted that lockdown is the only thing that worked in countries ravaged by the virus.
Fakhre Alam in a video message addressed to the prime minister urged him to impose a two-week lockdown.
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Comments (87) Closed
Mar 21, 2020 02:50pm
So the people serving essential facilities will be first one to die in case infection spreads and who will take care of their families after they die ?
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Mar 21, 2020 02:50pm
Difficult decisions are only solution to such difficult eventualities. It is no use delaying the obvious. Lock-down first before thinking other possibilities. It is never too late.
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Mar 21, 2020 02:53pm
The most out of touch prime minister I have ever seen
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Mar 21, 2020 02:55pm
Imran Khan is incompetent
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Mar 21, 2020 03:04pm
First provide essential food to the public then impose Curfew; if Govt. thinks it adequate. Well, It's not as easy as it seems.
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Mar 21, 2020 03:06pm
Self isolation is not possible in Pakistan, people are still not taking it seriously. On the other hand Khan sahb has ordered opening of Afghan border, what can we expect ?
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Mar 21, 2020 03:07pm
No lockdown. Enough of this drama. Do you people have any idea what would happen to people on daily wages?
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Mar 21, 2020 03:21pm
I fear this nation will suffer a lot because of PMs arrogance. I feel sorry to say this but should wakeup before it comes to their door steps. History shows some institution only became active when their loved ones get affected.
I really wish he will end up being right and rest of the sane people llbe proven wrong and we wont see many cases.
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Mar 21, 2020 03:38pm
agree. need an enforced shutdown.
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Mar 21, 2020 03:43pm
First waiv-off our Loans then we will do lock down.
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Mar 21, 2020 04:03pm
Government should take it serious, Pakistan don't have resources to face large scale outbreak.
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Mar 21, 2020 04:13pm
Please lock down before it's too late.
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Mar 21, 2020 04:20pm
If the infected goes higher and it infects somebody staying in congested areas it will be a disaster!! Post that many will die....and then Pakistan will not be able to do anything
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Mar 21, 2020 04:46pm
We should not lock down completely. Only targeted measures should be taken. One can only do what one has a capacity for. Total lock down will be a suicidal act.
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Mar 21, 2020 04:46pm
The PM is not a infectious diseases specialist. Under these extraordinary conditions when the virus in the country is spreading everywhere, he should consult the experts and listen to their recommendations. USA and China have figured out that self isolation is the only way to stop the spread of corona virus. Over 75 million people in the state of California, New York and Illinois have been ordered to stay home except for emergency. Only essential people like doctors, pharmacy staff and grocery store staff are exempt.The virus is spreading from human to human and self isolation is tje only solution. No body is immune.The virus is being spread by the people who don,t know they are infected.If the front line people like doctors and nurses get the virus, who will treat the sick in the hospitals.We need medical supplies like masks, protective suits and ventilators.Social and religious gatherings in the country must be banned immediately.Please listen to the experts before its too late.
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Mar 21, 2020 04:46pm
Can the government establish a website immediately listing the materials and equipment that is short to allow manufacturers and suppliers of the same to take appropriate action to fill the gaps. The health of health workers should be top priority now and they should be provided with PPE at war footings.
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Mar 21, 2020 04:48pm
He himself is roaming outside home touching the highly susceptible people.
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Mar 21, 2020 04:49pm
Pm should immediately create a fund and order all those urging for a lockdown to donate their yearly income to this fund. This money should be distributed to blue-color workforce, labours and down trodden members of the society.
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Mar 21, 2020 04:51pm
Pls understand, define and agree on the definition of lockdown.
Closing everything, and I repeat everything but medical stores, hospitals, labs, groceries / milk shop / tandoor is enough. The issue is that only Sindh has done it and others haven’t.
Start lock down from international borders, provincial borders, city boarders, then area boarders to minimise movements.
What’s the point of closing intercity buses down when railways is operational ???!!
The essential movement ie security, medical staff, grocers, food supplies etc should be permitted to move around freely and no one else.
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Mar 21, 2020 04:53pm
This can be done for a few days and then a day for people to replenish stuff and manage things and then again such closure for another week and so on.
All utility bills and bank payments should be extended by 30 days in order to avoid any issues with utilities supply and etc.
The role of institutions (private and public) is to facilitate and it’s not business as usual for anyone so why for them.
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Mar 21, 2020 04:59pm
Hi Captain: Corona does not play cricket. It does not believe in social gatherings. It loves incompetent, selfish and megalomaniac leaders and destroy their people. Stop this mania! come to senses. Do the right thing-Lock down!
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Mar 21, 2020 05:00pm
3:50 pm: Health Minister Zafar Mirza confirmed 4,046 suspected cases in Pakistan.
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Mar 21, 2020 05:16pm
Mr. Prime minister , please evaluate the situation with the health expert and consult WHO to lock down cities. We are already in self locked down stare in addition to five states. Please don’t listen to faithfuls, they have nice heart and demeanor but this is a reality which can be contained with strict isolation (hint - Wuhan) . Those who stick to their faith Irrationally are meeting their fate ( hint -Iran, South Korea - closed door churches).
I am sure you will make a wise decision to gradually lockdown areas systematically and methodically on case by case basis with NO EXCEPTION, specifically from diehard faithfuls bent on mass prayers .
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Mar 21, 2020 05:18pm
Does IK realise importance of an early lock down than has huge potential to stop the contagious virus from spreading? Still 500+ is not huge but it can increase exponentially if action not taken today. It's hard to understand what his strategy really is.
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Mar 21, 2020 05:38pm
Lockdown is the only solution for subcontinent. It's difficult to treat once patients start flooding to hospital.
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Mar 21, 2020 05:51pm
Come on IK learn from other countries . Pakistan needs a complete lock down because Pakistan health service is just not there to be able to cope with a spread .
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Mar 21, 2020 05:55pm
Please do lock down before it goes out of hands.
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Mar 21, 2020 06:07pm
Wow he needs twitter to teach him that he must ask for lockdown.This is such a grave error on his part,it is unpardonable.
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Mar 21, 2020 06:22pm
Nice paper work Dawn. Nation is proud of you.
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Mar 21, 2020 06:30pm
And who believes our people will follow lock down? More than half the country lives on daily wages.
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Mar 21, 2020 07:03pm
The hunger/unemployment due to lockdown may not kill millions, but the corona virus can certainly kill millions of people.
It is right time to lockdown the country before the situation goes out of control.
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Mar 21, 2020 07:16pm
They will delay it for a few more days and weeks and when they numbers will reach 8-10k, they will act. PTI's government is weak in decision making. And I am sure, the PM doesnt realize the seriousness of the threat. There wont be anything left when this goes through the roof.
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Mar 21, 2020 07:26pm
Total lockdown for at least 14 days is the only situation. Just look at USA, they took it casually and the whole country is suffering. States are now shutting down one at a time. Trump is incompetent and not doing anything except talking. Imran Khan should not follow him otherwise consequences in Pakistan will be much worse than China and Italy. Shut down the country completely, nobody moves even from one city to another. Enforce martial law if needed, but this needs to be taken seriously.
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Mar 21, 2020 07:39pm
It is only the rich ones who can afford a lockdown urging govt for a lockdown. A lockdown in a poor country like Pakistan will not work even if govt tries.
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Mar 21, 2020 07:43pm
But salaria and fasttrack would argue that PM os doing the perfect thing. Please don't be blind.
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Mar 21, 2020 07:45pm
@Thuthuri, Nothing new.
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Mar 21, 2020 07:56pm
When you elect a person always used to praises and high ego and no administrative experience what better can you expect. Unfortunately his colleagues too are self serving and unconnected with ground realities and therefore give wrong advice.
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Mar 21, 2020 08:01pm
When has imran ever dustinguished himself by wise or timely action? Mot confidence inspiring in the least
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Mar 21, 2020 08:53pm
Hope people who voted for IK are feeling proud of him at this moment of crisis !!
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Mar 21, 2020 09:22pm
Please spread awareness as much as possible.
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Mar 21, 2020 09:28pm
How many Twitter users are daily wage earners?
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Mar 21, 2020 09:30pm
Pakistan is in a precarious situation, not any different than a business with a weak balance sheet. If Pakistan govt tries to flatten the virus spread curve through lock downs, it will trigger an immediate economic depression with government level default eminent.
If they stay the course to sustain the economy and allow the virus to take its course, thousands will die. This is a "stuck between a rock and a hard place" situation for Pakistan not a issue of premier's competence.
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Mar 21, 2020 10:11pm
Dear IK,
Please learn some good things from Mr. Modi.
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Mar 21, 2020 10:13pm
He only knows how to collect money for charity and put it directly into his and family account. A person who has not worked for a single day since 1992, lives in the biggest house in the country, and lives a life of a King using other people's money.
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Mar 21, 2020 10:43pm
IK ,keep going to China for support.Friend in need is friend indeed.!
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Mar 21, 2020 10:55pm
It seems people think that what happened and what worked in other parts will also happen and work in Pakistan. It may not be true. Each country needs it own unique solution. Losing patience will cause anxiety, if you are maintaining social distance and taking precautions then do not impose them on others. If others do not follow then they will face the consequences. Previous governments' corruption is now hurting the country big time, minimal hospitals, poor facilities, poor law enforcement (police), poor hygiene, etc. Now you see how corruptions destroys a society. Let the govt. do what it feels appropriate.
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Mar 21, 2020 10:56pm
Only proven measure to stop the infection is Wuhanian measure .
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Mar 21, 2020 11:06pm
Like it or not, there is one solution.
1) Enforce complete curfew first.
2) Give passes to essential services personnel in next 2-3 days, after mandatory guidance and training.
3) In next week, provide general public with guidance and training, and enforce a system where people are provided time table to conduct their essential affairs in a way where social distancing can be maintained.
4) Enforce this for 4-6 weeks.
5) During this period, any infection, or medical emergency would be strictly responded to be ambulances, maintaining quarantine conditions.
6) Expansion of controlled transport/ambulance facility using army, police, transporters.
7) Declare breaking of curfew and quarantine protocol a capital offense.
8) Provide anyone who asks with some food and water from government kitty and charity. Collect charity. Don't waste time on identification of poor, just send trucks everywhere.
This will be much cheaper, rather than waiting.
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Mar 21, 2020 11:27pm
Imran Khan is an ideal p. M of pakistan. Imran please don't lock down the country as country is already facing financial crisis. Population can be increased later on but if the country financial condition crumble then it will be very difficult to get it back on track. I am with you
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Mar 21, 2020 11:30pm
Not to lock down the country is the excellent decision taken by imran Khan. You are the leader of the century. Your name will be registered in golden words. Your bold decision will be very helpful in dealing with the difficult situation
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Mar 21, 2020 11:57pm
Plz consider lockdown option before its too late
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Mar 22, 2020 12:16am
People do not need to wait for government to announce a lock down but should avoid socialising, work from home and and self isolate if they can afford. You don’t need the government to tell you to start being responsible. There are labourers in Pakistan who earn a daily wage. Do you think the government has enough funds to pay their wages? Here in the UK the government has announced that it will pay 80% of the wages for those whose livelihoods are affected. Our budget is running at a deficit due to the privileged amongst us not paying taxes and we all saw the circus the business community put up when government tried to bring in the NIC rule. Our concern is legitimate but the best thing to do now is to self isolate on our own. Unless there is a solution to protect poor people’s livelihood a lockdown would be condemning majority of our poor people to even further poverty which will lead to chaos, bad health conditions and even more deaths.
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Mar 22, 2020 12:19am
Imran Khan's weak governance and delayed decisions will cost heavy death tolls in Pakistan. We must implement lockdown immediately.
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Mar 22, 2020 12:39am
Mr. Imran Khan, just to clarify your comment, warm weather does not make a difference, there are countries around the world that already have summer like temps, yet the numbers of people getting infecting is growing. Now in the past, in the United States, other viruses like SAARS, the numbers did come down during the warmer months, but this virus is different, don’t get people’s hops up based on that. Good day.
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Mar 22, 2020 12:55am
U PM will take a decision but as usuall will cost a lot, this time in sickness and lives of Pakistanis.
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Mar 22, 2020 02:08am
He has to get approval from his bosses.
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Mar 22, 2020 04:13am
Why this appeal isn’t made to COAS ? IK competence is known to everyone
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Mar 22, 2020 04:58am
Is Pakistan giving the world true numbers of inspection
spreading?
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Mar 22, 2020 06:16am
Mr. Khan
Stop trying to be a pal for your Chinese brothers by sacrificing Pakistani citizens.
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Mar 22, 2020 06:18am
Pakistan has to quickly take steps to control the epidemic. India inspite of its huge population and size has been able to control this epidemic at level 2. When India reported it's first patients, Pakistan didn't have any. But today Pakistan's tally has doubled!. It shows government's lack lustre response.
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Mar 22, 2020 07:06am
PMIK is incompetent and inefficient. He still thinks like a cricketer where one or two good overs of fast bowling will win matches. Governing and protecting people is completely different ball game.
Extraordinary situation like this needs an extraordinary and bold leader. Come on PMIK
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Mar 22, 2020 09:17am
Pakistan will go ahead with lockdown once loan waiver are given.
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Mar 22, 2020 09:25am
Criticism in all TV debates about how IK has been handling the Covid19 china virus situation in Pakistan. Giving contradictory messages and confusing the masses. Once Pakistan get into the stage 3 with community transmission of the infection, it will be extremely difficult to control the situation. Or is this a deliberate ploy to get international monetary institutions and countries to waive of debts snd differ repayment. Nothing is impossible with this government.
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Mar 22, 2020 09:37am
Pakistan is land of pure, impure virus cannot do any harm to pure Pakistan.
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Mar 22, 2020 09:50am
@KT, Pakistan should ask China to compensate.
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Mar 22, 2020 10:28am
Worst time to have an incompetent PM at the helm. He is not bothered about the condition of Pakistan but wants to encash on this tragedy for getting loan write off and thus using this to win next election.
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Mar 22, 2020 10:36am
Imran Khan is simply over his head. He has failed the nation time and again since he was selected to be the Prime Minister. We need a real leader to run the country, which he is not. And this is coming from someone who voted for him.
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Mar 22, 2020 11:34am
@Dr. Malaria, Garib Halfmad, yes that seems to be the government's strategy. Let the infected figure increase and then show the world we cannot cope up due to financial problems. Lending international Instututions may then agree for debt waiver.
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Mar 22, 2020 11:37am
@H Khan , if there is no lockdown, can you imagine what will happen when these daily wage earners get infected and spread the infection. How many will die.
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Mar 22, 2020 01:39pm
He still has not understood ...people look for strong leadership during a crisis not platitudes and wishes.
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Mar 22, 2020 04:54pm
He is 100 percent right.
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Mar 22, 2020 06:26pm
Lockdown or suffer a catastrophe. These are the choices.
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Mar 22, 2020 06:29pm
I am afraid, IK is taking this too lightly. Shameful that he did not attend the SAARC meeting of leaders on Corona virus.
He is leading Pakistan towards a disaster and a abyss.
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Mar 22, 2020 07:23pm
Neighbors aren't being effectively blamed in this case as that is the solution of every problem for us!
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Mar 22, 2020 07:52pm
When will He take his people seriously. He is more worried about people of Iran, India than his own.
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Mar 22, 2020 08:25pm
@Thuthuri, He needs few more wives to increasing his potency, or shall we say, competency?
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Mar 22, 2020 08:26pm
@Bilal Khan, It is working in India though and India is not a rich country by any stretch of imagination.
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Mar 22, 2020 08:42pm
You know, I was very excited to see Imran Khan win the election, I was excited to finally have a person who was genuinely spoke from his heart, then I realized, Imran Khan is all talk, knows how to talk, but does not walk the talk. I also realized, Imran Khan is one of the most emotional, fat from reality, ignorant and clueless people I have ever seen. This man rather serve few million spending g billions and ignore the vast majority who actually work and pay taxes.
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Mar 22, 2020 08:45pm
Its a clear and present danger to the state! No if and buts, order a 14 day national lock down! Now!
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Mar 22, 2020 09:06pm
IK should learn from others' experiences. Look what has happened in Italy and which way Spain is heading. These are the countries with good healthcare systems and infrastructure. Yet, they have buckled under the overwhelming surge of infection. Can Pakistan sustain it? He should aim for a total lockdown. It is observed that voluntary social distancing may not be followed by some people. Under these unprecedented circumstances, IK should come strong with enforced isolation to protect his people. It, currently appears, as if the Federal and Provincial Governments are not on the same page with advice. Politics aside, these authorities should work together in a co-ordinated manner. Hope sense will prevail.
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Mar 22, 2020 09:50pm
IK is still worried about Kashmi. No time for anything else
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Mar 22, 2020 10:12pm
This is a moment of difficult decisions.You cannot endanger 75% to please 25%.Send them 3 months ration. Ask Zardari and Shabaz sharif to pay poor Pakistanis as zakat on the looted billions from the treasury when they were ruling or ruining the country.
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Mar 22, 2020 10:17pm
It’s all about the vote bank.
3 to 5 crores will die IK and then watch what will happen. Vulture no 1 has arrived from UK and vultures no2 3 and 4 are here.
Good luck.Your wife’s prayers cannot save your kursi.
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Mar 22, 2020 10:22pm
@SayNoToPlastics, Hazmat suits are the need of the hour.If doctors and nurses die like flies, IK and his incompetent team will never be able to live in Pakistan.
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Mar 22, 2020 10:28pm
Twitterati? They are the ones who can stock rations for months, maybe years and are suggesting PMIK who is worried about the poor Pakistanis who do not get two meals even today.
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Mar 22, 2020 10:35pm
Prime minister Imran Khan is a selected Prime Minister,he doesn't have the public support to lockdown Pakistan.
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Mar 22, 2020 11:08pm
Pakistan is inviting disaster for both own Nation and rest of the world. Even lock down may not work in case it is delayed. Italy did this mistake and they introduced lock down in third stage which is delayed response. India has introduced lock down in second stage and it started from today early morning. IK has taken this issue very lightly, it seems or else, how , he opposes lock down ? Already it reaches in Pakistan to third stage as many victims have no foreign travel record. Do it today to protect imminent danger and to save Pakistan from this pandemic or else be prepared for huge death and disaster. Rest of the world will completely cut down all link with Pakistan. That will not help anyway Pakistan cause and that will damage Pakistani economy too. You can never play with public health.
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