In Balochistan, villagers demand shifting of qurantine centre

Residents of Mian Ghundi block Quetta-Karachi highway in protest

QUETTA: Locals of Mian Ghundi, located on the outskirts of Quetta, on Wednesday blocked Quetta-Karachi highway to protest against establishment of a quarantine centre in the village and stay of suspected coronavirus patients at the centre.

After successful negotiations with the government officials, the people ended the demonstration. However, they threatened to resume the protest later if the demand to shift the quarantine centre from the village were not materialized.

Health staff and people had complained about lack of equipment, masks and other facilities at the centre in Mian Ghundi established by government of Balochistan to treat suspected patients of the virus where 154 health staff members, including 34 doctors would perform duty.

The government official stated that around 65,000 pilgrims were screened at the quarantine centre.

According to details, the government intended to keep pilgrims returning from Qum, Iran for quarantine at the centre. But the locals opposed use of the village as a quarantine centre and protested against the decision of provincial government by blocking the highway.

The blockade of the highway caused a massive traffic jam creating problems for commuters from Quetta to Karachi.

Quetta Deputy Commissioner Aurangzeb Badini held talks with the locals of Mian Ghundi and later announced the protest has ended.

“The protest will be resumed by blocking the national highway for traffic if the camp is not shifted within two days,” threatened the protesters after ending the strike.

Precautionary measures

The provincial government has enhanced precautionary measures against corona virus at border areas of the country, including Pak-Iran border in Taftan and Pak-Afghan border in Chaman, after first case of coronavirus emerged in Quetta.

The federal government on Sunday has announced closure of Chaman border for another seven days to contain the virus.

Balochistan Health Department Director General Dr Faheem Khan said that the first case of corona virus was reported in Quetta on Tuesday. 12-year old Ali Raza, resident of Dadu, Sindh, was being treated at isolation ward established at Fatima Jinnah Hospital in Quetta.

He added precautionary measures were being accelerated in border areas on special directive of Chief Minister Jam Kamal, saying that more than 65,000 people have been screened in Balochistan.

“3,600 pilgrims are kept in quarantine centre in Taftan and 65,000 pilgrims have screened at Mian Ghundi’s quarantine centre,” said the health DG, adding the department has trained 1,000 personnel to contain coronavirus.

The DG added that people should take precautionary measures and cooperate with local administration to contain the coronavirus.

(With additional input from APP) 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 12^th, 2020.