THE coronavirus pandemic is spreading in Pakistan. Prime Minister Imran Khan has set up a Corona Tiger Relief Force to help the government machinery in dealing with the disease. The relief force is a programme to utilise our youth’s energies to provide relief to the masses where needed.

The idea is an amalgam of several plans introduced by the United Nations Development Programme to promote volunteerism for development and peace. The intention is to inculcate skills and communication development among youth to serve at national and international levels. It is also a positive manner to inculcate empathy among our youth.

The relief force is meant to assist the respective district administrations which are overwhelmed by the scale of this disaster. It has become impossible for government officials to reach out to everyone in the country. This youth force will be entrusted with the task of ensuring every hamlet and village is provided with rations and healthcare.

The pandemic is a test for the nation to act as one family and help each other in this dark hour.

Sadia Rana

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, April 4th, 2020