Islamabad: The Parliament House came alive on Monday as parliamentarians gathered to hold a much-debated assembly session after a lull about two months, caused by the outbreak of the coronavirus.

However, with the threat of the virus very much in place, and a few parliamentarians and officers of the lower house having contracted the virus, it was important to ensure that the session was held in accordance with the government-imposed standard operating procedures (SOPs).

For this, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri examined the measures taken at the Parliament House before the session commenced.

Suri stared by examining the coronavirus testing laboratory set up in the parking area of the Parliament House. He went on to examine the screening system installed at gates 1 and 5 of the house and ordered testing of all parliamentarians, staff and media workers.

He also instructed the officials to carry out their duty diligently and not be subjected to complaints. The deputy speaker urged everyone in attendance to maintain social distancing whilst visiting the testing laboratory.

The deputy speaker, while commenting on the National Assembly’s preparations for the session, said that all necessary arrangements had been made.

“The members are being tested for coronavirus at the Parliament House and lodges,” Suri said. “Digital machines have been installed at the entrance of the parliament to measure body temperatures.”

He added that the machines would also help identify visitors who were not wearing masks.

“All the parliamentarians, while entering the NA hall, would be provided with face masks, gloves and sanitisers,” he said, adding that the session would only discuss the coronavirus crisis in the country.

The lawmakers were also to observe social distancing in their seating arrangement during the session.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2219106/1-na-session-commences-amid-strict-sops/