QUETTA: A meeting of the National Party (NP) held on Tuesday discussed policies regarding procurement and administration of coronavirus vaccine and management of the impact of Covid-19 on economy and education sector in Balochistan.

The party demanded that the government take special measures to safeguard the lives of people, especially doctors and paramedical staff. Moreover, the vaccine should be provided to every citizen free of cost.

The party also demanded that private sector be allowed to import the vaccine and a health emergency be declared in Balochistan until the elimination of the virus.

The public and private hospitals should be asked to designate separate coronavirus wards to treat Covid-19 patients. The party called for upgrading health facilities in the province and sought an increase in the health budget for the purpose.

Discussing the education scenario in the province, the NP meeting called for opening of all educational institutions with strict implementation of the standard operation procedures.

The meeting also called for removal of ban on 3G and 4G internet services in some areas of the province to promote and boost online education.

The meeting was attended by Abdul Khaliq Baloch, the party’s provincial president; Khair Bakhsh Baloch, provincial general secretary; Abdul Ghani Rind, the party’s president for Lasbela district; Abdul Hameed Baloch, member of the central committee; Haji Atta Muhammad Bangalzai, president for Quetta district; Kulsoom Niaz Baloch, member of the provincial working committee; Mashkoor Baloch, and other office-bearers of the party.

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2021