Dr Atif Hafeez Siddiqui of the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) has said at a press conference that the medical community demands a "strict and complete" lockdown and prevention of congregations of all sorts to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

He said although such restrictions might cause hardship to the poor, "we have not seen anyone dying of hunger" since the virus entered Pakistan. Through philanthropy and NGOs' efforts, people could be saved from hunger even during a lockdown, the doctor suggested.

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
14 Jun, 2026

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
13 Jun, 2026

Prioritising education

THOUGH the improvement in the country’s literacy rate may be slight, as highlighted by the Economic Survey, it ...
Poverty’s rise
13 Jun, 2026

Poverty’s rise

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