ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz says the government has adopted a balanced strategy to cope with the challenge of coronavirus pandemic effectively.

He was addressing a news conference along with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Digital Pakistan Tania Aidrus and Focal person to the PM on COVID-19 Dr. Faisal Sultan in Islamabad on Sunday.

Shibli Faraz said coronavirus has engulfed the whole world and Pakistan introduced lockdown policy in this situation to save precious lives and the economy as well.

He said this model is being replicated in many countries in the world.

The Minister said Pakistan cannot afford complete lockdown policy.

He said some countries observed strict lockdown to stop spread of this global epidemic but they are facing disturbing economic hardships and rising death toll.

Shibli Faraz said National Command and Operation Center played a vital role and managed the situation scientifically.

Senator Shibli Faraz said that the government, in this satiation, also disbursed cash assistance among over 13 million deserving families on their door steps. He said the government will also handle economic hurdle and the nation will witness improving economy due to the economy-friendly policies of the government.

Speaking on the occasion, with SAPM on Digital Pakistan Tania Aidrus said the federal and provincial governments and armed forces took collective decisions and introduced a targeted trace, testing and quarantine strategy.

She said one third COVID-19 tests are being conducted under this strategy. She said that the objective of smart lockdown policy was to control the epidemic maintaining the economy. She said the complete lockdown strategy could have a detrimental effect on the public and the economy as well. She said, now, that the number of cases on daily basis is declining.

Focal person to PM on COVID-19 Dr. Faisal Sultan, on the occasion, said that all provinces and other federating units are on one page to meet this global epidemic and played a commendable role in this regard.

He said that the nation should remain follow the Standard Operating Procedures strictly and seriously to stop further spread of the Corona during Eid and Muharram. He urged the people to avoid in going to gathering without wearing masks.

He said that all indicators are showing in declining the pandemic spread and this success was made possible due to team work.