Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar says National Command and Operation Center has played an active and commendable role against COVID-19, which is being acknowledged by the world.      

He was addressing prize distribution ceremony among workers who rendered their best performance in the anti Covid vaccination drive, in Islamabad today [Monday].

He also commended the performance of doctors and other paramedical staff in the fight against pandemic.

The Minister said the government handled the pandemic  with the support of the nation. He said the virus still exists and we should continue our fight against this pandemic by observing precautionary measures, including wearing masks. He asked the people who completed their two doses to take the booster vaccine.

Earlier, during the ceremony it was briefed that 48 percent of the eligible population stands fully vaccinated.

Till 31 December 2021, the vaccination of 71.5 million individuals has been completed. Only in December 2021, the vaccination of around 21.5 million people has been ensured and the credit goes to the provinces.

The district teams which received appreciation certificates and shields include Jhelum, Mianwali, Mandi Bahauddin, Narowal, Attock, Bhakkar, Sargodha, Lodhran, Karachi South and East, Chitral Lower and Upper, Mastung, Chaman, Lasbela, Harnai, Awaran, Surab, Naseerabad, Hunza, Ghizer, Mirpur, Tharparkar, Orakzai and Neelam.

The top three districts who achieved the target of vaccinating maximum population include Kalat, Karachi South and Islamabad (77%), while the three districts of remote area who achieved vaccination targets despite difficult terrain and limited resources include Orakzai , Neelam and Tharparkar.

In the end the minister reiterated that all provinces to follow all NPIs and obligatory regime in true letter and spirits to curtail the spread of present wave.