Armed forces extend support to public: DG ISPR

Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar on Thursday said the armed forces were extending all out support to the public against coronavirus, together with the civilian authorities.
"The army chief has instructed all the formations (of Pakistan Army) to provide every possible support to the public against coronavirus. The medical facilities of all the three armed forces are ready to meet any kind of situation," he said, addressing a joint press conference along with Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza, and SAPM on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan.
"Pakistan Army is fully standing with the government in the battle against coronavirus. The military and civilian authorities are engaged in coronavirus screening at the land routes. The armed forces are also actively engaged in the screening of passengers for coronavirus at the airports," he said, adding that the airports in Quetta, Faisalabad and Multan would resume their operations from March 21.
The Pakistan Army is providing full assistance to the quarantine centres against coronavirus set up in Multan, the DG ISPR said, adding that Sindh Rangers was providing assistance in the coronavirus quarantine centres set up in Sukkur.
The DG ISPR said, public awareness messages were being sent regarding coronavirus in collaboration with the telecom companies.
"In this challenging time, it is important to prevent any misinformation or disinformation from reaching public that could potentially result in panic and fear. It is important not to spread lies and rumours. The necessary information regarding the coronavirus is being disseminated to the public keeping in view the target audiences and the data available," he said.
The DG ISPR appreciated the role of Radio Pakistan and the FM radio stations in disseminating timely information to the public regarding coronavirus.
"Everyone has to show an utmost sense of responsibility individually and collectively in these testing times," he said.
Mirza, the SAPM on Health, said the federal government would soon reach out to the Chinese experts seeking their assistance against coronavirus in Pakistan.
"In the days to come, we would be holding video conferences with the Chinese experts," he said.
"Avoid going in public where 40 or more people are assembled. Avoid handshake, physical touch, hug- avoid anything that can cause coronavirus," he advised the public.
The SAPM on Health confirmed two deaths due to coronavirus in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.