Pakistan is stepping up its fight against the novel Coronavirus pandemic in the aftermath of a press conference by the Director-General of Inter Services Public Relations (DG-ISPR) Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar, with the military getting involved to assist in the government's efforts to contain the spread of the outbreak.
Here are the most important points from the DG-ISPR's remarks pertaining to the fight against Covid-19:
Here are the most important points from the DG-ISPR's remarks pertaining to the fight against Covid-19:
- The Coronavirus pandemic is an unpredented danger to Pakistan: of a kind which “we have never seen in our lifetimes.”
- The government of Pakistan summoned the Army under Article 245: “in aid of civil power.”
- Based on the latest decision of the federal and provincial governments, the only facilities to remain open during the lockdown will be hospitals, food/grocery stores, medical/pharmaceutical stores and industries that pertain to the manufacture of food and medicines
- Petrol pumps and markets will operate within the timings provided by the administration.
- Schools will remain closed.
- A special conference of the corps commanders on Sunday focused on how to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic. The conference reviewed the Pakistan Army’s aid to civil institutions and its plan for assisting in the effort.
- People are urged to follow guidlines from the government and health authorities.
- Pakistani borders remain closed but “the real border is between humans and the Coronavirus, which we have yet to take control of.”
- The Pakistan Army needs the public's help in helping to counter the pandemic.
- Cooperation is our best defence against Covid-19.