Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar on Thursday chaired a meeting to review different measures for overcoming the spread of coronavirus in the province. The meeting took stock of different matters, including patient case management and an increase in the number of beds in hospitals. The participants expressed their concern over an increase in the number of coronavirus patients in Punjab, especially Lahore, and agreed to devise a separate strategy for overcoming the pandemic in Lahore city. It was decided to formulate an expert working group for devising a separate model for Lahore and its recommendations will be presented to the National Command and Operations Centre for final approval. It was decided that more steps will be taken to stop community transmission by utilizing all-out resources. The participants agreed to further expedite concerted efforts through effective coordination between civil and military organisations. It was also decided to ensure strict compliance of masks’ use and any violation of SOPs in markets and commercial areas will not be tolerated. The meeting decided that advance planning will be made keeping in view the likely future situation of coronavirus. It was decided that educational institutions will not be opened in prevailing circumstances. It was also decided to complete all safety measures keeping in view the possibility of floods. The CM asserted that though the situation is difficult but the government’s commitment and passion is stronger than it and the challenge will be overcome through public support and joint collaboration. He told the steps would be continued for public safety by analysing ground realities. The people will have to show responsibility in this situation while the government is dealing with the coronavirus challenge in a befitting manner, he added. He directed that separate policies be devised for Lahore and other cities and warned that no delay should occur in this regard. More steps will be taken in light of experts’ recommendations, he added. He asked the irrigation and line departments to complete their arrangements for combating any possible threat of flood. The meeting appreciated the efforts of medical staff and the chief minister thanked the military leadership for extending full cooperation for dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. Corps Commander Lt Gen Majid Ehsan assured the Punjab government of every possible assistance for overcoming the spread of the coronavirus pandemic as it is a national challenge. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Usman Buzdar strongly condemned an attack on the vehicle of security forces in Miranshah area of North Waziristan. The CM has paid tributes to the great sacrifice of two martyred jawans and extended sympathies to their heirs. He has also prayed for early recovery of the injured Jawans. The CM said the brave sons, sacrificing their lives while defending the country, are our pride. They have sacrificed their lives to maintain peace in the country, he added. In a message on the occasion of world day against child labour, Usman Buzdar said that child labour is both societal as well as an economic issue and added that involving the tender-age children in hazardous labour activities is a criminal act. In his message, the CM regretted the children are constrained to help their families at an early age due to economic difficulties. He emphasized that the elimination of child labour is a priority agenda of the incumbent government. The CM mentioned that multipronged strategy is needed to overcome the menace of child labour and added that every individual should play its role in this regard. It is sanguine that the PTI government has taken comprehensive steps to eradicate child labour and every effort will be made to save the children from this menace, the CM added.