LAHORE: As the PML-N kicked off the drive of distributing coronavirus protective kits among people on Friday, Opposition Leader in National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif said his party would not abandon the nation amid this outbreak and fight side by side with the brave people of the republic.

Speaking at the kits` distribution ceremony through a video link, the PML-N president said his party had a strong resolve to help the people fight the f atal virus. `But the true measures against the outbreak can only be taken by people through precaution. People can win this fight with caution, discipline and cooperation. Everyone should strictly abide by these as it is not just the matter of their lives but the lives of their families and friends.

Mr Sharif further said: `Over 100,000 kits containing masks, sanitisers, soaps and an instruction manual are being distributed among thepeople by the PML-N. The purpose of this exercise is to arm the nation for the war against the novel coronavirus. This kit will also work as a guideline for the people and spread mass awareness regarding the pandemic.

He said that on the instruction of PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif, these kits would be sent to every city of every province. He lauded the volunteers who had been selflessly working for the people to help them fight against the virus.

`Serving the people pleases God Almighty. This is the most precious opportunity to make public service our virtue and win God`s blessings, he said and added that labourers and daily-wagers were the ones worst hit by the pandemic.

He expressed grief over the reports of suicides being committed over financial shortcomings.

Shahbaz Sharif said suicides indicated the helplessness being f aced by the people and prayed for God`s help under these testing times. `PML-N is synonymous with public service,national development and prosperity.

Whenever PML-N got a chance to serve the nation,it fulfilled its responsibility of developing education, industry, healthcare, businesses, transportation with tireless work.

He also announced that the PML-N would distribute more protective gears for doctors, nurses and medical staf f. He said it was imperative under current circumstances to ensure the protection of the doctors and health workers as the lives of the entire nation depended on their lives and well being.

`These doctors are Pakistan`s front line soldiers in the fight against the new coronavirus,` he said.

PERVAIZ ELAHI: Punjab Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi says the Rescue 1122 is rendering a great service in these testing times.

`The rescue officials are doing noble work of shifting the patients to the hospitals and quarantine centres and also of burial in a very organised manner at the risk of their life,` he said in a statement here on Friday.