Countering Corona: Every citizen’s role counts, says Gen Bajwa

RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said the nation having vibrant youth and resilient people will emerge stronger from the challenge of COVID-19.

"Being a nation with vibrant youth and resilient people ready to share and sacrifice, we will emerge stronger from this challenge, InshaAllah," the COAS said while addressing the 231st Corps Commanders Conference.

The corps commanders participated through video link from respective headquarters. The forum reviewed geo-strategic, regional and national security environment with particular emphasis on latest situation arising from COVID-19. The forum also undertook comprehensive review of deployment of Pakistan Army troops assisting civil administration in aid of civil power across the country, the ISPR said.

The corps commanders were apprised on functioning of National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) established to synergise and articulate national effort for containment of COVID-19.

Appreciating the troops in the field for efforts so far, the COAS directed all commanders to extend maximum assistance in moving critical resources and reaching out to mitigate suffering of people in far flung areas including Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, interior Sindh and Balochistan.

"Every citizen counts as we strive to scale this calamity," General Bajwa maintained. The forum paid tribute to those on frontline including doctors, paramedics, healthcare workers and LEAs for braving this pandemic under challenging environment. The forum also paid tribute to the Kashmiri people who are fighting the pandemic under Indian atrocities and struggling for their just cause of self determination.

APP adds: ISPR Director General (DG) Major General Babar Iftikhar Tuesday said emergency supplies of medical equipment, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), were being dispatched to Quetta on the directives of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa to help medical staff fight coronavirus (COVID-19) effectively in Balochistan.

In a message, the ISPR DG quoted the COAS as saying, “Doctors and paramedics are the frontline soldiers in this war. Most advanced nations and govts are finding it extremely difficult to fight this pandemic." He said the government was striving to acquire and supply the required resources. "In this hour of distress we must remain patient and steadfast," the COAS added.