PM was also briefed on the steps taken so far regarding curtailing the spread of COVID-19 across the country, enforcement of SOPs, and strategy regarding the management of disease and implementation of decisions in coordination with all the stakeholders.

The participants were especially apprised of the gaps identified and measures being taken for improvement in the healthcare system of the country to cope with the challenge, capacity building of the healthcare professionals, increased availability of beds for the patients, uninterrupted availability of crucial medicines, and sufficient supplies of oxygen.

The participants through a consensus resolved to continue the strategy of balance between life and livelihood being pursued. It was reiterated that while businesses must remain open, strict implementation of SOPs will be ensured through awareness and administrative actions. Smart lock downs in hot spots identified through use of technology tools recently deployed and developed by NCOC will be ensured.

The forum was also briefed on the use of digital technology for contact tracing and disease projection. It was informed that during the last four days, there is a decline in the number of cases tested positive.

Chief Ministers of all the provinces and Prime Minister AJ&K briefed the forum about the steps being taken in their respective areas and unanimously acknowledged the support provided by the Federal Government in all respects.

Prime Minister Imran Khan directed following:-
a. All out efforts must remain focused on controlling the disease spread.
b. Ensure availability of medicines, oxygen and beds in hospitals.
c. Urged complete unity amongst entire nation to fight an unusual and ominous challenge.
d. Directed all Pakistanis to protect the elderly and sick specially those suffering from Heart related diseases and Diabetes.
e. The Prime Minister, while lauding the role of NCOC, said that Pakistan has navigated COVID-19 in a balanced manner. However, he cautioned everyone for utmost care. We need a unified and well coordinated joint national response to fight the disease during the next couple of months; our actions will determine the extent of the crisis and success of our response through consensus, stated the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Imran Khan while paying tributes to the sacrifices of healthcare workers said that they are doing us proud at this critical juncture and the entire nation recognises their their contribution. The Prime Minister said that media has performed responsibly so far, any tendency to sensationalise must be self checked by them.

CJCSC lauded extraordinary efforts of NCOC for synergising National effort and data driven input to all stake holders for timely and informed decesion making in short span of time. It’s pertinent to mention that NCOC being a one stop operation for coordinating the national efforts perusing implementation of the decisions of NCC’s has role modelled for steering a national effortIt through detailed assessment of public health emergency with real time data, nationally, regionally and globally in order to make evidence based decisions.

COAS was also apprised about national strategy for test, trace and quarantine (TTQ) aimed at identifying disease spread, focused clusters / hotspots to enable targeted lockdowns & need driven resource optimisation at all levels. COAS lauded remarkable efforts of NCOC for formulating & implementing covid-19 response despite resource & time constraints. While complimenting civil- military components of NCOC, COAS emphasised the need for stratified risk assessment, managing trinity of health crisis, economic slide & psycho-social impact through efficient resource management. Pakistan Army in collaboration with other national institutions should take all possible measures to bring comfort to the nation in these challenging times particularly during RAMAZAN, COAS concluded.

Face Masks - 2,792,925(Procured 1,612,275, Assistance 1,180,650) Punjab 427,160; Sindh 180,822; KP 247,771; Bln 271,191; GB 385,395; AJK 97,620.

N95 Masks - 98,555 (Procured 20,255; Assistance 78,300) Punjab 34,809; Sindh 10,415; KP 10,952; Balochistan 7,524; GB 3,370; AJK 2,800.

Protective Suits - 217,035 (Procured 190,895; Assistance 26,140) Punjab 46,098; Sindh 24,747; KP 18,459; Balochistan 7,615; GB 5,750; AJK 750.

Goggles - 72,857(Procured 12,855; Assistance 60,002) Punjab 5,108; Sindh 2,752; KP 1,322; Balochistan 56,494; GB 3,015; AJK 150.

Gloves - 974,273 (Procured 308,775; Assistance 665,498) Punjab 422,653; Sindh 167,905; KP 76,248; Balochistan 116,610; GB 16,856; AJK 22,020.

Overall Suits - 98,875 (Procured 33,355; Assistance 65,520) Punjab 23,741; Sindh 960; KP 5,633; Balochistan 1,935; GB 25,734; AJK 12,604.

Face Shields - 16,455 (Procured 11,355; Assistance 5,100) Punjab 8,252; Sindh 2,523; KP 1,186; Balochistan 283; GB 1,250; AJK 625.

Boot / Shoe Covers - 50,643 (Procured 48,775; Assistance 1,868) Punjab 29,884; Sindh 9,793; KP 4,180; Balochistan 292; GB 1,040; AJK 374.

Industries

Guidelines/ SOPs for Possibility of Phased easing of industries. The implementation on these guidelines/ SOPs will be employers responsibility . The decesion in NCC for final approval

Ramazan

Ministry of interor in consultation with Ulemas will formulate guidelines for Ramzan covering fol aspects:- - Tarveeh, namaz, roza congregations. - Festivity (Iftar, sehri etc) - Arrangements of Juma Bazar, Ramzan Bazar etc. - Distribution of food items, fitrana by philanthropists. Indigenous Manufacturing Capacity Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) is developing 5 x types of ventilators. 8 designs submitted for approval; Clinical trials have started. Ministry of Science & Technology , DRAP and NUST to finalise decision of domestic development of testing kit within 36 hrs.

Railways

- 7 x Trains converted into hospitals / isolation wards 26 Trains aval for plying across the country
- 48 Railway hospital are available(12 x maj hosps, 36 small dispensaries).
- Air Traffic * 1950 passengers will be brought back in next weeks
- 3 months req to bring back all stranded Pakistanis; approx 8000 / weak
- All passengers will be *quarantined as per health guidelines at locations of arrival
- Air traveling SOPs will be reviewed on 16 Apr 20,

7 International Airports

(less sialkot ) Airports will be operating to bring back 8000 passengers/week.

Closure of Borders

MoI issued notifications for closure of borders for another 2 x weeks (from date of expiry of previous notification) as under:-
▫️ Wahga Bdr : from 16 to 29 Apr 20
▫️ Western border with Afg and Iran : from 13 to 26 Apr 20.
▫️ Kartarpur Corridor : from 11 to 24 Apr

Federal Ministers,

Brig Ijaz Ahmed Shah (Retired) Minister for Interior, Mr Muhammad Hammad Azhar, Minister for Industries & Production, Mr Omar Ayub Khan, Minister for energy , Mr Khusro Bakhtiar, Minister for Economic Affairs, Mr. Fakhar Imam, Minister for National Food & Security, Mr Moeed Yousaf, SAPM National Security, Dr Zafar Mirza, SAPM Health, Mr Abdul Razak Dawod and Advisor to PM for Commerce attending the briefing.

In this regard, it was mutually decided that all the industries, services and retail of all essential items shall continue to operate. This includes all industrial and commercial entities that are part of the supply chain of food items, medicines, pharmacy, agriculture, fuel, media, banks and philanthropic organisations. The transport of all goods in the country shall also continue to take place without interruption. However, the existing closure/ban on areas of congregation like schools, marriage halls, cinemas, restaurants etc shall remain in place. The restriction on inter provincial travel shall also continue.
On the recommendation of NCOC, the following categories of low risk economic activities were also agreed by the provinces, AJK and GB to be allowed to operate subject to adherence of SOPs:
• Chemicals Manufacturing
• Ecommerce for Export (Business Process Outsourcing, Call centres)
• Ecommerce for Local/Delivery Companies (specified items)
• Software Development/Programming
• Paper and Packaging
• Industries with Labour within Premises
• Cement Plants
• Fertilizer Plants
• Mines & Minerals
• Dry Cleaner and Laundry Services
• Horticultural and Botanical Nurseries
• Manufacture of agricultural implements and machinery
• Glass Manufacturing
• Veterinary Services
• All export Industries (Subject to verification of orders from TDAP)
• Bookshops/Stationary (Either home delivery or stand-alone shops)

It was also recommended to the provinces, AJK and GB that individual shops of electricians, plumbers, carpenters, tailors, street vendors be allowed to open. There were a variety of opinions on this issue and it is recommended that the provinces decide on this issue as per their own judgment and circumstances.
On the issue of the construction sector, there were a variety of opinions that were tabled. NCOC has recommended that the sector be opened in sequence/phases with the low risk activities being recommended to open in the first phase starting from 15th April 2020. It has been recommended and agreed upon in the meeting that the following supply chain of construction can be opened from the 15th of April:
1) Cement Plants (Already open)
2) Brick Kilns
3) Stone Quarries
4) Bitumen Plants
5) Prefab Material Manufacturer

In the light of the variety of opinions on resumption of construction activities and also the phasing/sequencing of this exercise, it has been recommended that the provinces should exercise their own judgment, as per their own circumstances and conditions, on the opening of construction sites in the public or private sector and its sequencing and geographical locations. The opening of the retail outlets/stores of the essential construction materials will naturally be associated with the specific decision by each province to open the construction sites.
The construction activities related to the federal PSDP shall be reactivated.
The safety SOPs with regards to the prevention of the spread of Covid-19 for general industries and construction sector were circulated to the provinces and entities during the preceding weeks. It will be the responsibility of the employer to ensure adherence to the SOPs. The SOPs regarding congregational prayers during Ramzan are being devised in consultation with Ulemah of all fiqh.
The government continues to strive to bring back Pakistanis stranded abroad in the safest possible manner. This week, 2,000 stranded Pakistanis will return from different parts of the world. After detailed consultations between the federal and provincial governments, it has been decided that 6,000-8,000 passengers will be brought back from next week. Arrangements are also complete to bring back Pakistanis stranded in Afghanistan through our land borders. The goal remains to continue increasing our capacity of intake so that all Pakistanis wishing to return can do so as soon as possible.
In view of the financial hardships being faced by the public as a result of the restrictions, the NCOC will continue to assess, review and recommend the sectors of economic activity that can be considered for opening up. The risk profile of each sector, international guidelines and practice, local working conditions and enforceability of SOPs are considered. Since the country and the globe is faced with a situation that is developing, periodic reviews shall continue to be undertaken. The need of the hour is to balance and calibrate policy to address the risk of Covid-19 outbreak with the financial hardships faced by the lower income segments and middle class. The above recommendations and guidelines were endorsed at the NCC session held today.

Federal Ministers, Brig Ijaz Ahmed Shah (Retired) minister interior,Mr Muhammad Hammad Azhar, Minister for Industries & Production, Mr Khusro Bakhtiar, Minister for Economic Affairs, Mr. Fakhar Imam, Minister for National Food & Security, Mr Abdul Razzak Dawod, Advisor to PM on Commerce, Mr Moeed Yousaf, SAPM National Security, Dr Zafar Mirza, SAPM Health are present in briefing.

The meeting started with update on critical health care equipment needed for COVID-19

Ventilators

Total available are 3844 Area wise details are :-
ICT 47Balochistan 74KP 400, Punjab 1697Sindh 1550, AJK 63, GB 13
Efforts are at hand to procure additional ventilators along with indigenous production.

Utilities stores

Government of Pakistan earmarked Rs 50 Billion as Special Ramazan Package for common people MD utilities stores briefed on available stock and measures to ensure uninterrupted supply during enforcement measures and particularly Ramazan. Mr Asad umer directed MD utilities stores to evolve a mechanism to stop bulk purchase & over buying by retailers to let the benefit reach to common people.

Fuel Supply

Mr Asad umer instructed ministry of energy to ensure accelerating supply of fuel to various part of Balochistan particularly border areas, where fuel supply may have been affected by the border situation.

Industries

A detailed plan of action by ministry industries in consultation with provinces to keep essential industries ( Food, Pharmaceuticals, energy and industries supporting above three ) for enforcement measures till 14th April following laid down health guidelines and post 15 April. A uniformed policy will be presented by ministry industry tomorrow at NCOC for implementation across the country for containment of COVID-19

Civil Aviation

A detailed roadmap for flight operations post 11th April will be presented on 8th April at NCOC for final decision by NCC
Health Issues The forum reviewed present situation on new cases, efforts for containment and preparations for future.

At the moment Pakistan has 163 tests per million capacity (India 50 per million, US 4264, South Korea, 8019, Singapore 6724 per million. There are total 20 labs across the country ( ICT 1, Pb 5, Sindh 7, KP 1, Bln 2, AJK 1, GB 2, with 6584 testing capacity( ICT 1500 (NIH,AFIP), Punjab b2064, Sindh 1900, KP 284, Bln 380, AJ& K180, GB 276) . 13 labs in pipelines.. It was emphasized that the testing capacity needed to be significantly ramped up. It was decided that a target for the testing capacity enhancement will be fixed by Tuesday. Trained HR to carry out testing, particularly extraction. Logistics arrangements to collect and transport samples. Availability of testing kits, swabs and transport medium. Necessary medical equipment / testing kits to be made available for meeting these requirements.
Track and tracing mechanism to identify clusters for targeted testing and isolation. Mr Asad Umer directed that NRSP, PRSP, AKRSP networks to be integrated for community mobilisation and point of care out reach.

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa was present during the visit. Minister for Planning Asad Umar, Minister for Economic Affairs Muhammad Hammad Azhar, Minister for National Food Security Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, SAPM on Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan, SAPM on Health Dr. Zafar Mirza, SAPM on National Security Dr. Moeed Yousaf and senior civil and military officials were present during the briefing.
National Command and Operation Centre is nerve centre to synergize and articulate unified national effort against COVID-19, and to implement the decisions of National Coordination Committee on COVID-19. The centre is one window operation to collate, analyse and process information based on digital input and human intelligence across Pakistan through all Provinces, AJ& K, GB & ICT dedicated representatives and centres. Recommendations based on information/ data is then processed including health, finance , and all matter related to COVID-19 to NCC for real time projections and timely interventions by NCC headed by PM.
PM directed NCOC to focus on Health Management, Financial Impact, Socio-economic and Food Security, Strategic Communication and awareness while suggesting the calibrated and measured response paradigm with the evolving scenario in the wake of COVID-19.
Prime Minister Imran Khan, while appreciating the establishment of the National Command and Operation Centre and progress made by NCOC so far, said that we need to render untiring efforts for effective enforcement of the decisions through NCOC to contain the outbreak of COVID-19 across the country. The Prime Minister reiterated that there must be no compromise on availability of essential food items and sustainability of supply lines throughout the country. Prime Minister Imran Khan stressed on the need to prioritise the efforts and enforce the decisions of the NCOC through regular and timely meetings under the leadership of Federal Minister Asad Umer. Hoarders and smugglers will be made an example, the Prime Minister warned.