Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said that an incremental lockdown would have been most effective in controlling the spread of the coronavirus.

Speaking at a new conference in Sialkot, the PM's aide said: "We need to provide food and rations to those affected by the lockdown."

She conceded that the pandemic is an unprecedented challenge, adding that "no one could have assessed the challenge at hand".

Opinion

Editorial

Budget presser
Updated 14 Jun, 2026

Budget presser

If the FBR falters, the government will find itself in hot water sooner rather than later.
Muharram precautions
14 Jun, 2026

Muharram precautions

WITH Muharram due to start next week, the authorities have already begun annual exercises to ensure that the ...
Blood bequests
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Blood bequests

WORLD Blood Donor Day offers a moment of “gratitude, advocacy and renewed commitment” for thalassaemia patients...
Sustainable path?
Updated 13 Jun, 2026

Sustainable path?

The FY27 budget is the first clear signal that the government is ready to transition from stabilisation to growth.
Prioritising education
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Prioritising education

THOUGH the improvement in the country’s literacy rate may be slight, as highlighted by the Economic Survey, it ...
Poverty’s rise
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Poverty’s rise

AS attention turns to the government’s plans for the coming fiscal year, one set of figures deserves particular...