ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued its written order regarding the coronavirus suo moto notice case. The court, in its judgment, directed the federal government to file a comprehensive report, along with the outcome of the high-level meeting which was scheduled to take place on Monday.
In the judgment the apex court says the performance of Punjab government is satisfactory and on the other hand the Sindh government is not fulfilling its duties and the complaints of non-delivery of food are everywhere. The Sindh government also failed to submit the proofs of the distribution of food-items worth Rs8 billion in the province.
The court order stated that the governments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan had submitted their reports, where were taken on record. It seemed that the effect of coronavirus (COVID-19) was not so much alarming in the two provinces, including, Gilgit-Baltistan and things were being kept in control.
Punjab, Sindh and ICT (Islamabad Capital Territory), however, were on different pedestals, where there was a considerable threat of surge of the pandemic.
The SC directed the Punjab government and the ICT administration to submit their reports regarding matters relating to the pandemic. It also sought all necessary information, which could show that the citizens’ fundamental rights were fully safeguarded and the state functionaries were aware all what was necessary for the survival of the people.
The order stated, “The doctors and paramedics, who are working in the front-line in dealing with this pandemic, are especially affected and are at risk of contracting the disease and it is hoped that the federal government, the provincial governments, the ICT and GB shall ensure that all necessary needs of the doctors and paramedics, in such an emergency situation, are fully fulfilled. We are informed that doctors and paramedics are performing duties beyond their call of duty and at many places, they are not even being provided with food.
This, in our view, is a sensitive issue, which should immediately be addressed by all the governments and grievances, in this regard of the doctors and paramedics are redressed.” The court observed that the condition of sanitary staff was also not good and it was informed that they were exposed to all sorts of diseases, while they were working in the hospitals and other places.
No effective care was being provided to them and a request had been made that they be provided with the requisite protection, so that they might perform their work without any fear. “In the circumstances, the federal government as well as all the provincial governments, including, the ICT and GB, shall ensure that sanitary staff are taken care of and are provided with proper and secure uniforms, so that they can work without fear of being affected by disease,” it added.
