Special Article
MIRZA ASLAM BEG
The Chief Justice of Pakistan ordered all courts of justice to continue functioning as normal. A laudable decision indeed, which reminds us of the famous words of Churchill, when Great Britain was seriously battered, due to war. He said: “Go and see, if our courts of justice are functioning normal, then, our great nation can never be defeated.” That is also true today about this great nation of Pakistan. Our armed forces have not barricaded themselves but are maintaining 24-hour vigil of our land, sea and air frontiers, ready for full mobilization in less than two days time to face the enemy. Additionally, the army has come in full support of governments’ plans to face the Corona challenge. From day one “our medical and paramedical staff” is leading the fight against the pandemic, unmindful of the consequences and in close contact with sick patients, they continue to serve with pride and professional dignity. Mashallah Shaheed Dr. Osama of Gilgit-Baltistan, has set the lofty example of sacrifice for others. And now Maulana Fazlur Rehman leads, offering over forty thousand workers in support of governments’ plans to fight the menace. And you may not be surprised to know that Jamat-ud-Dawa workers are already deployed in the country helping the masses, as they did in 2005 helping people in the earthquake affected areas of Azad Kashmir and Pakhtunkhwa province. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has issued comprehensive policy guidelines to help his organization work-out their plans and take actions to meet the challenge. Similarly other government institutions need to issue their policy guidelines so that people are saved from haphazard actions. Two young researchers of my University – NUST, Dr. Anila Javed and Ali Zoheb have developed Corona Testing Kit which has been approved by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) for series production, under license. This kit would be selling for only Rs. 2000/-, a piece. Shabash Imran Khan is lucky that his job has been made easy by our national institutions and individuals, who deserve recognition and Medal of Honour for their services and Shuhada Awards for those who lay down their lives in service of the nation. Dr. Osama has given the lead. May Allah bless his soul in peace. Ameen. Now as the virus is knocking at our doors, these institutions and individuals have stood up tall to give the message to the world that “the great Pakistani nation cannot be defeated.” The nation cannot be defeated because in adversity it seeks Allah’s forgiveness and blessings and guidance from the Holy Prophet. The nation has shown resilience to face the challenge. With efforts correctly directed, can change the trajectory of the pandemic: Strong preventive and protective measures. Best possible medical treatment. Prayers, to seek Allah’s mercy The preventive measures like “lock-down” of the entire province, is rather oppressive and may prove counter-productive. It would cause scare and panic, with no guarantee that after fifteen days of lock-down, the virus would disappear. “In fact when you remove the lid, the virus may spread with greater intensity.” –WHO Official. Over 15 million workers would be laid-off. And there is no denying the fact that our economic and social order would be shaken. For best possible medical treatment of the virus affected persons, the government should take help from the army, for treatment in Field Hospitals. These Field Hospitals should be established in open areas close to each city and town, under the Army care and control. For example for the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, a maximum of two x 250 bed such hospitals would be sufficient. Good catering is essential, which can be provided by the nearest Shadi Hall management. The Army should not be used for police duties. Let them take care-of the health care facilities in Field Hospitals. That should be their primary responsibility. The treatment of the patients is the major issue. This would also help avoid pollution of hospitals and other health care units, in the cities and towns. Prayers is the name of consciousness (Agahi), that “Allah is the giver of life and death.” Namaz, is the obligatory prayer, we offer five times a day. Allah is merciful, He reminds us: Bhala kon ha jo be-qarar ki ilteja sunta ha aur us ki takleef ko door karta ha. Surah Anamal, Ayah 62. Allah hi behtar negheban ha aur sub se zayada rehm karne wala ha. Surah Yousuf, Ayah 64. Allah suggests the Dua; Allahuma berahmateka ya arhamurrahimeen; Our prayers are granted, and Allah directs: Un do frishton ko “jo us k (Dua Go) agay aur peeche us k mahafiz hain aur Allah k hukm se us ki hifazat karte hain”. Surah Ra’ad, Ayah 11. Our Faith and Belief fortify our Resolve to face the challenges, to defeat our enemies and the pandemics like these. — The writer, a retired 4-star General, is former COAS, Pakistan Army
