KARACHI– Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah said on Saturday that the province is presenting a dismal picture in terms of new coronavirus cases and death toll despite stringent lockdown measures ordered by the Sindh government.
In a video message issued Saturday afternoon, Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah said the province had recorded six deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the provincial tally to 28.
The CM Sindh noted that on April 11, there were 104 positive cases reported within just a 24-hour period.
“We have recorded 104 cases in the province, which is an increase of 20 per cent,” he said, describing it as the ‘highest average [daily increase] in the world’.
He said that the new cases have taken the tally in the province to 1,318.
“We have given orders for stricter measures in Malir,” Shah said, while noting that cases were also rising in Hyderabad, forcing the authorities to enforce stricter measures.
The CM noted that the situation regarding the curbing of the disease is deteriorating and the reason is lapses from the public’s side in following orders.
“A stricter lockdown is our need at the moment,” he added.
Governor Sindh opposes extension in lockdown
Governor Sindh Imran Ismail has opposed an extension in the lockdown, which is set to remain in force until April 14.
Ismail said that it is not appropriate to extend the lockdown after the abovementioned date, as it is pertinent to acknowledge the difficulties being faced by the people.
The PTI leader said that he has been receiving complaints from the public.
The province has been observing a strict lockdown since the middle of March, with the provincial government recently having extended the lockdown until April 14.
Last week, Sindh Education Minister Saeed Ghani said lockdown rules may be revised on April 14, paving the way for a little leniency.
In a statement, Ghani explained that the rules would be relaxed so that some sectors will be given conditional permission to resume operations.
As of Saturday, the total number of virus cases in Pakistan has surpassed 4,000, with more than 70 deaths reported so far.
SOURCE: GEO NEWS
