Asif Shaikh
Sindh Information Minister Nasir Shah on Sunday rejected rumours that Karachi is under lockdown and clarified that the provincial authorities have only announced preventive measures amid the rising number of coronavirus cases in Sindh.
The minister regretted the spread of such rumours on social media, saying that people involved in such activities would be charged under the cybercrime act. “People should remain calm. The provincial government is fully capable of dealing with the problem,” said Shah.
Following the coronavirus outbreak in Sindh, panic has ensued among people. The province has reported a total of 17 cases so far. Amid fears of the spread of the global pandemic, fake news of a provincial lockdown has gone viral online.
The ‘rumours’ have also encouraged people to stock up on groceries after which supermarkets across the province were crowded.The minister, however, refuted the news and said that all those people who are spread-ing the news will be punished by the law.
“Cybercrime cases will be registered against them,” he said.“The Sindh government is taking adequate measures and everything is under control,” Shah assured.
Reacting on the romours of lockdown, Shah in his statement said, there is no reality in the news floating on the various sections of the social media about lockdown amid coronavi-rus in Sindh.“Nothing to worry as situation is under control”, the minister said in his statement.
The Sindh govern-ment has banned all public gatherings and religious congregations as a precautionary measure to contain the out-break. Marriage halls, cinemas and schools have also been closed down.
According to a notification issued by the government, whoever is found indulging in these activities will be im-prisoned for 30 days.All commissioners and deputy commissioners have been given authorities under Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
“In certain cases, offenders can also be sent to jail for 90 days,” Shah added. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah has di-rected the chief secretary to write a letter to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to take action against the ele-ments, spreading disinformation on the social media about lockdown in Sindh.
