ISLAMABAD: The management of shelter homes has identified multiple places to set up emergency Panah Gahs in the capital, which are expected to see an influx of migrant workers due to reopening of the construction sector.

Eight public and private sector buildings have been marked in the capital where at least two Panah Gahs will be established on an emergency basis to facilitate proper implementation of social distancing, said Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Shelter Homes Naseemur Rehman.

During his visit to the G-9 Panah Gah, he said the selected facilities included six government schools and two private hostels located near Tarlai and Bhara Kahu shelter homes.

“The criteria for selection of places are based on easy access and not too far from existing Panah Gahs so that the spillover can be coordinated efficiently,” he said.

As per the new strategy, social distancing is being practiced in shelter homes to ensure safety of its dwellers from the deadly virus. As of now, a safe distance of four to six feet is maintained in sleeping areas, he added.

Mr Naseem said more places were being examined to set up emergency Panah Gahs in the twin cities where migrant workers in large numbers were expected to come from small cities.

“In collaboration with district administrations of both the cities, a series of advocacy and social mobilisation activities is being done to arrange buildings from prominent persons who are among the first responders in serving the social cause,” he said whilst appreciating the business community’s response.

The management will extend a formal request to the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) to get its approval for creation of emergency Panah Gahs at the identified government schools, he added.

Responding to a question, he said the management had decided to double the number of Panah Gahs in the twin cities.

We are intending to raise the number of Panah Gahs to 10 from five, he said.

“Safe and secure premises with basic services of water, sanitation and hygiene are part of the values that inspire us to build a multi-faceted partnership to provide safe and healthy shelter to the poor and needy across the country,” he added.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2020