PM Imran appeals to nation to wear masks, fears Indian covid variant could 'spread in Pakistan'

"We have been keeping a close eye on the latest virus situation keeping in view the Indian delta variat that has devastated India, Bangladesh and other countries," the premier said while addressing the nation on Thursday.

He said the fourth wave of coronavirus is in progress in Pakistan, adding people sitting in rooms and vehciles must use masks.  

He was of the view that "we can protect our economy only by wearing masks," he said, adding the people of Pakistan had been advised to get vaccinated as soon as possible as the govenrment had sifficent stocks of vaccines.

The PM feared that the Indian virus variant could spread in Pakistan, saying the graph of new Covid cases are once again going upward after a steep fall.  

وزیر اعظم عمران خان کی ملک میں کرونا وباء کی حالیہ صورتحال کے حوالے سے میڈیا سے گفتگو۔@PakPMO @fawadchaudhry @nhsrcofficial https://t.co/VcE8HiVFM3

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) July 8, 2021

He advised Pakistanis to wear masks days of Eidul Azha and follow all necessary precautions, adding precautions and care could save us from further lockdowns. 

He also said the government had to ensure that sacrificial animals on Eidul Azha should be slaughtered at sites outside cities to prevent the spread of Covid.

"Only weak and the poor become the direct victim of lockdowns so weak masks to save Pkaistan from any economic disaster," Imran Khan advised. 

The premier lauded the government, particularly the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) for carrying out research and taking timely decisions to contain the virus from spreading. 

"Pakistan is the only Muslim country that kept mosques open for two consecutive Ramadans, thanks to the efforts, monitoring, and preemptive measures of the NCOC as well as the cooperative attitude of the nation," the PM said.