OBSERVER REPORT ISLAMABAD Special Assistant to PM on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan shared that Prime Minister Imran Khan has not ‘ruled out the option of a nationwide lockdown’ if the general public does not adopt precautionary steps to control the coronavirus outbreak. In tweets, she said the prime minister had spoken about the challenges and issues with regard to the lockdown option. Dr Firdous contended that if the public did not show responsibility, then the federal government will have to impose a lockdown despite its unwillingness to do so. The prime minister, she noted, had again asked the public to cooperate in the fight against the virus but there was no glimpse of such cooperation so far. “We appeal to the people to cooperate, as the government has resolved to ensure their safety and protection. Right now, the challenge is to create a realisation among the people about the pandemic and, to deal with this challenge, the media’s cooperation is of utmost importance,” she noted. She emphasised that every individual would have to play their role and in the given situation, the role of the Ulema was especially critical.Addressing a press conference, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr FirdousAshiqAwan said that chances of a person recovering from coronavirus were at least 98 per cent. She said: “The media should also highlight those that have recovered from the virus, so that the panic and fear that has spread among the people can be eradicated.” They must be informed that you can live after contracting the disease because it is not life-threatening, she added. Dr. Firdous Ashiq called for giving impetus to collective efforts to overcome coronavirus.On twitter on Monday, she said we have to revive the spirit of harmony and solidarity at this critical juncture. The Special Assistant also urged the international community to help the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir get their legitimate and democratic right to self-determination. She said the Prime Minister Imran Khan is raising the voice of Kashmiri people at every forum. Firdous Ashiq Awan said that oppression unleashed against minorities in India has endorsed the two nation theory of Quaid-e-Azam
