Economic, health and social impact of COVID-19 pandemic must be reviewed: COAS

Pak Army should take all possible measures to bring comfort to nation in these challenging times.

RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) – Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Wednesday said that there is need to assess the economic, health and social impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the COAS visited National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC). Gen Bajwa was received by Commander Army Air Defence Command & National Coordinator, NCOC Lieutenant General Hamood-uz-Zaman Khan.

NCOC Director General Operations & Planning, Major General Asif Mehmood Goraya briefed the Army Chief in detail about Covid-19 related multi-sectoral situation, implementation of National Coordination Committee decisions, projections about likely spread of the disease in Pakistan and support being extended to civil administration against the pandemic.

Gen Qamar Bajwa was also apprised about the national strategy for testing, tracing and quarantine.

He was also briefed about the deployment of troops across the country assisting federal and provincial governments in aid of civil power.

Speaking on the occasion, Gen Bajwa said that the Pakistan Army in collaboration with other national institutions should take all possible measures to bring comfort to the nation in these challenging times particularly during holy month of Ramazan.

Appreciating the efforts of NCOC for formulating & implementing COVID-19 response despite resource & time constraints, the COAS said that despite limited resources and time, the performance of this national body was excellent.

He said, “The role of NCOC for civil, military-linked relation is commendable, however, the economic, health and social impact of the outbreak must be reviewed.

“We need to stop the spread of virus by taking measures, assess risks and minimize adverse effects of the pandemic,” he added.