Almost three month have passed since the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf announced a million-strong Corona Relief Tiger Force (CRTF) to deal with corona virus-related relief and social challenges.
Prime Minister Imran Khan announced the CRTF towards the end of March when the lockdown in the country was in force and millions of workers were stranded at their homes to mitigate the spread of the virus. In a number of speeches, the PM stated that the CRTF would help the government deal with coronavirus relief efforts and help the needy in an organized and systematic way.The CRTF initially was established and tested by the federal government in SIALKOT
Core Responsibilities of Corona Relief Tiger Force
The CRTF was assigned five core responsibilities.
- Ration Distribution
- Implementation of the 20-point guidelines introduced by the government for prayers during Ramadan.
- Giving awareness about COVID 19.
- Observing Implementation of social distancing during market times.
- Point out the stocks of wheat and Sugar.
Collaboration of Corona Tiger Force with District Administration
PM Khan also issued guidelines to provincial chief ministers and chief secretaries regarding the CRTF urging the provincial administrations to expand the force and mobilize it at district, Tehsil, and union council levels. The PM also suggested using the force in assisting EHSAAS Labour Registration Programme. Later, the government decided that district administrations and deputy commissioners’ offices would be engaging the force in monitoring the implementation of SOPs regarding the opening of markets, mosques, and public places.
My Personal Experience as Corona Tiger Force Volunteer
As CRTF volunteer I have been paying my duties for the last three months in Tehsil Zafarwal, District Narowal. Many other volunteers of my tehsil and district are also paying their duties with full devotion and zeal. Our foremost duty is to observe the implementation of SOPs in markets and public places. We also aware people use masks and hand sanitizers. We also insist on them adopting precautionary measures. In this regard, the district and civil administration are cooperating very well with us. Here in the following, I shall elaborate on their role.
Role of Deputy Commissioner Narowal
Mr. Shahid Zaman Deputy Commissioner Narowal is an energetic and sincere officer against this pandemic. He is personally watching and monitoring the whole situation regarding COVID-19. He motivated all of his tehsil Assistant Commissioners to deal with this pandemic and all matters regarding tiger force. In this regard, every tehsil Assistant Commissioner called a meeting of Tiger Force volunteers and briefly guide about the current situation and duties. He personally visits different spots and places of district and tehsils. District Narowal consists of three Tehsils.
- Narowal
- Shakargarh
- Zafarwal.
Role of Assistant Commissioner Zafarwal
Mr. Usman Akram is the Assistant Commissioner of Tehsil Zafarwal. He is directly contacted with almost all volunteers of Tiger Force regarding the pandemic of COVID-19. In the beginning, he called a meeting with all volunteers of Tiger Force. In this meeting, he briefly described the role and duties of Tiger Force. Initially, according to the division of Union Councils, he made 26 teams under the supervision of a Captain and Vice-Captain and also attached a media person and political coordinator. All the team Captains send their daily working report to Focal Person Mr. Majid Mehar. Mr. Assistant Commissioner also chairs a meeting with Captains and Vice Captains and asks about performance and problems.
Cooperation of Assistant Commissioner
The cooperation and facilitation of Assistant Commissioner remain very well with all volunteers of Tiger Force. He has provided all the necessary equipment to almost all members.
- Provided Personal Protective Equipment. (PPEs)
- Special Tiger Force Masks.
- Tiger Force Identification Cards.
Whenever we contacted him regarding any problem he try to solve it as soon as possible.
And by the Grace of Allah Almighty and good policy making only two or three cases of COVID-19 had reported in our tehsil which has been cured of this pandemic.
