Shahbaz Sharif criticises govt for 'wasting time' amid coronavirus pandemic

LAHORE: Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday slammed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government for "wasting crucial time on thinking" amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

Addressing a video link conference of party leaders from Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, the PML-N president said the country is facing a most difficult challenge.

While noting that the number of coronavirus cases has been steadily increasing in Punjab, he said that the federal government has "wasted precious time".

“No doubt the entire nation is facing the toughest challenge, but these difficulties are not new,” he said, adding: “We can pass through this time with the help of God, effective strategy, and timely and brave decisions.”

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He appreciated the AJK and GB governments for taking timely steps despite a shortage of resources, adding that imposing a lockdown quickly in the regions proved effective. He urged the federal government to give special attention to Gilgit-Baltistan.

He also thanked the Chinese government for helping Pakistan by giving much-needed ventilators, testing kits, masks and other necessary equipment. He said that China has proved that it is a sincere and sympathetic friend of Pakistan.

“We have presented a national strategy to the government. By following this strategy, the situation can be overcome,” he claimed.

He accused the federal government for not helping Gilgit-Baltistan in testing hundreds of suspected coronavirus patients, adding that the deaths are due to authorities not taking timely steps and the nation will hold the prime minister responsible for it.

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Shahbaz Sharif said, “We will not leave the provincial governments, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan alone in this time and face this difficulty through unity, solidarity and resolve.”

“We have taken steps for the provision of personal protective equipment for doctors, nurses and other paramedical staff. 

“To win this war against the coronavirus, we will have to ensure the protection of doctors and paramedical staff,” he said.

The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir Raja Muhammad Farooq Haider Khan, GB Chief Minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman, PML-N Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhry, PML-N Parliamentary Party Leader in National Assembly Khawaja Muhammad Asif, PML-N Spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb and other party leaders.

Shhabaz blames govt for hiding data

The PML-N president also blamed the government for not sharing complete data with the nation and termed this as a criminal act.

The authorities should release facts about actual no of patients, suspects tested and screened so far, the opposition leader demanded. "We cannot stop the spread of the virus by suppressing data."

Shahabz urged the authorities to provide training to the paramedics as a lack of knowledge is putting their lives in danger.

He also opposed the establishment of isolation centres in city centres.

CM Buzdar defends govt strategy

In an apparent reaction to Shahbaz Sharif's criticism, Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar said the opposition parties are doing politics on a national issue.

The government took immediate steps to contain the virus and is taking care of the poor section of the society through a huge relief package, Buzdar said.

Blaming the opposition parties for politicising the matter, the chief minister said this is a global issue and it is sad to see political rivals playing a negative role in the time of crisis. "We need unity to face the challenge."