Prime Minister Imran Khan started “Corona Relief Tigers” from March 31 st 2020 in efforts to aid the government’s endeavours to combat Covid-19. This youth force was founded on the basis of helping support the government’s battle against the devastating consequences of coronavirus, a volunteer program which aims to carry out necessary activities during the pandemic.
The Tiger Force will not only provide information regarding quarantine centres but will also collect the data of needy families. The online form accessible on Pakistan’s Citizen Portal (PCP) was visited by over 400,000 in the first 50minutes of its launch, according to Advisor to the PM on Youth Affairs, Usman Dar, who himself registered on the Force. Mr. Dar has also said that the data collected will be completed and compiled on April 10 th . So far in the numbers recorded as of yesterday, over 300,000 brave young citizens had signed up, including 8,310 females and 301 marked as others so far, to help in the relief of those who are suffering the most damage from the virus.
25% of Pakistan’s population lives below the poverty line while 20% are on the edge.
The Prime Minister addressed the crisis and launch in a nationwide television speech, “The power of faith and our youth. We have faith that we can win it with unity and faith, one of the basic principles espoused by the father of the nation, Quaid-e-Azam, and we have the second largest youth population in the world, which will be used to assist the government and administration to overcome the disease.”
The force will be deployed to distribute food and spread awareness to those deserving and impoverished under the lockdown. The awareness spread will be about the coronavirus itself and preventative measures. A fund for Corona Relief has also been opened as of April 1st , to fight the virus and contribute to relief packages through donations which are exempt from tax. Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed satisfaction at the dedication and passion shown by the youngsters in this distressing situation is praiseworthy and encouraging.
