Corona tiger force launched in Lower Chitral

CHITRAL: Though the lockdown is being eased out across the country, the prime minister’s corona tiger force, comprising 800 volunteers, was on Friday launched in Lower Chitral to create awareness for checking the spread of the virus.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on March 27 announced that the government had decided to set up a “Corona Tigers Relief Force” which would enlist youth volunteers from across the country to help deal with coronavirus relief efforts.

To formally launch the volunteers’ force in Lower Chitral, a function was held at the Town Hall wherein Deputy Commissioner Naveed Ahmed, Chitral Scouts Commandant Col Ali Zafar and others apprised the volunteers of their tasks. Chief minister’s special assistant on minorities’ affairs Wazirzada was chief guest at the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Wazirzada said under the vision of Imran Khan the youth would create awareness at the grassroots level so that the citizens could cope with the outbreak. He asked the volunteers to perform their duty with zeal and a mission.

He lauded the efforts of the district administration, police, Chitral Scouts and the Levies in keeping away the virus from the district at a very difficult time and with limited resources.

Col Ali Zafar said at the moment we are passing from one phase of the pandemic to another in which the lockdown was being eased gradually. But at the same time, we have to maintain the precautions and the tiger force volunteers have come forward to perform a very critical task for the safety of the people.

He paid tributes to the people of Chitral for adopting safety measures due to which Chitral was still safe from the deadly virus compared to other districts of Malakand Division.

The deputy commissioner said during the current week cards would be issued to the volunteers after which they would be assigned areas for performing their task.

He said the task of the volunteers was only to serve the people regarding the coronavirus awareness. He said the corona tiger force was non-political and the volunteers cannot consider or show themselves as government servants nor can enter into arguments with a public servant.

These volunteers can also perform non-technical duties at the quarantine centres. Moreover, if a charity organization donated ration the volunteers will deliver it to the houses of the deserving people.

In case any volunteer is found violating the rules, they will be dismissed on the spot, the DC added.–Syed Nazir Hussain Shah