Tue, 21-Oct-2025

Decisions to control the pandemic proved quite effective: Asad Umar

Asad Umar Coronavirus situation

Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar has on Wednesday again appealed to people to strictly follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to contain spread of the second of COVID-19.

Talking to news officials after a review meeting on COVID-19 situation, in Islamabad, Asad Umar said Pakistan successfully overcame the first wave of the pandemic, and it can again achieve the same success by adhering to the SOPs.

The Minister said the government has made some important and difficult decisions to control the pandemic, which proved quite effective.

He said the government will soon announce relief package for the sectors closed in the second wave of the pandemic.

The Minister said Prime Minister Imran Khan will chair a meeting of National Coordination Committee on COVID-19 tomorrow to review the latest situation about Coronavirus in the country and take necessary decisions.

He said the meeting will also be attended by the provincial chief ministers.

The Minister regretted that people are not following the SOPs of Coronavirus as they did during the first wave.

He said National Command and Operation Center has witnessed sixty deaths per day on average and four percent increase in Corona patients during the last two months.

Asad Umar paid tributes to the doctors and paramedics who are rendering their services to help people in the pandemic.

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Dolmen Mall Tariq Road sealed for contravening new SOPs

Dolmen Mall Tariq Road sealed

Karachi’s largest Dolmen Mall located at Tariq Road has been sealed for violating Coronavirus standard operating procedure (SOPs) issued by the health ministry.

According to the details, Dolmen Mall authority has faced a huge fine of Rs 50,000 for risking lives of people amidst the second wave.

According to the new SOPs, markets and business will be allowed to run from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays and remain closed on weekends.

Sindh Home Department said that all cinemas, shrines, and gyms will be closed. Only essential services will stay open on weekends. The relevant deputy commissioners have been directed to ensure compliance with the orders.

Moreover, the notification was issued to make wearing masks a mandatory thing in private offices and public places. The government and private offices would only allow 50 percent of employees to work from office while the remaining staff will work from home on the basis of regular rotations.

Outdoor weddings are restricted to 200 guests, while weddings indoor are banned. Also, indoor dining in restaurants have been banned from 24th November and only takeaways would be allowed.

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Asad Umar sounds alarm as the virus’ second wave could be more dangerous

Asad Umar

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar has on Tuesday said the decision to close schools was not an easy as students are suffering from major education loss.

Briefing about the ongoing Coronavirus situation alongside Dr. Faisal Sultan, Asad Umar said the Opposition is risking the lives of people through their large political gatherings despite spike in COVID-19 cases.

“We do not want a situation that affects employment and lives”, said the minister.

He further added that we have decided to begin the second phase of the Ehsaas Programme across the country.

The political leaders, setting up the huge gatherings for their party benefit, are conveying the message of irresponsibility to thousands of people, Umar added.

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