Islamabad : Government move to shield masses from deadly coronavirus virus are highly laudable while long Eid holiday, closure of markets and transport for eight days is the right decision, a business leader said Saturday.

Govt should take action against rumourmongers and conspiracy theorists who have become a threat as a large number of people are believing them to avoid vaccination, said Shahid Rasheed Butt, former President ICCI.

Talking to businessmen, he said that lockdown should not be opposed as profit is not important as human lives while the government should expedite the import of vaccine, oxygen and ventilators.

He said that a milestone to vaccinate over one hundred thousand people have been achieved but more needs to be done in this regard.

So far, not a single case of Indian Covid-19 variant has been reported in Pakistan which is a great success, he said, adding that the controls should be improved to save Pakistan from the deadly virus which has shaken the neighbouring country.

He noted that traders who are opposing lockdown are playing with the lives of masses for their personal benefit which is deplorable and the government should impose a strict lockdown in all the cities reporting a surge in the cases.

Some health experts have warned that pandemic will be more serious after Eid that should be taken seriously, he said, adding that many private hospitals are milking masses for gains which should be nationalised or taken into temporary control.

All the provinces should follow Sindh that is paying risk allowance for frontline health workers while the health staff across Pakistan should be provided protective gear, he demanded.