LHC orders uniform policy for food distribution
Bench emphasises need to act together and contribute at national level during coronavirus crisis
Representational image. PHOTO: REUTERS
LAHORE:
A full-bench, headed by Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Muhammad Qasim Khan, emphasised the authorities concerned to adopt a uniform policy for food aid and financial distribution among needy citizens.
"There must be no social or political based discrimination. The bench has made it clear," the full bench observed. The bench issued a detailed judgment on different petitions filed against the government's inadequate measures in quarantine centres in Multan. However, the bench appreciated the efforts being taken by the government, social workers and philanthropists to deal with the coronavirus threat.
The bench emphasised the need to act together and contribute at our level for national cause to defeat coronavirus. It further made clear that the country was facing an unseen pandemic. “We are in an extraordinary situation and we all need to fight it back, as a community and as individuals.”
'Huge decline in outdoor activities amid COVID-19 lockdown in Pakistan'
The bench further observed that grain, as well as vegetable markets, were exempted by the government itself. “We all know that these two places become overcrowded at specific times, therefore, any lethargy at these places can multiply the spread of the virus.”
As such, the authorities concerned are directed to adopt all possible precautionary measures of distancing amongst public gathering there, the bench observed. “The persons leaving from markets must be disinfected and the new entrants must also be screened. One of the most effective steps undertaken can be China’s model of circle distancing.”
We also have noticed that there were some complaints about food shortage, particularly flour shortage in certain areas, the bench highlighted.
When confronted with such reports, the acting advocate general submits that appropriate measures were already taken to ensure that all daily and common use commodities remain available.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 5th, 2020.
A full-bench, headed by Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Muhammad Qasim Khan, emphasised the authorities concerned to adopt a uniform policy for food aid and financial distribution among needy citizens.
"There must be no social or political based discrimination. The bench has made it clear," the full bench observed. The bench issued a detailed judgment on different petitions filed against the government's inadequate measures in quarantine centres in Multan. However, the bench appreciated the efforts being taken by the government, social workers and philanthropists to deal with the coronavirus threat.
The bench emphasised the need to act together and contribute at our level for national cause to defeat coronavirus. It further made clear that the country was facing an unseen pandemic. “We are in an extraordinary situation and we all need to fight it back, as a community and as individuals.”
'Huge decline in outdoor activities amid COVID-19 lockdown in Pakistan'
The bench further observed that grain, as well as vegetable markets, were exempted by the government itself. “We all know that these two places become overcrowded at specific times, therefore, any lethargy at these places can multiply the spread of the virus.”
As such, the authorities concerned are directed to adopt all possible precautionary measures of distancing amongst public gathering there, the bench observed. “The persons leaving from markets must be disinfected and the new entrants must also be screened. One of the most effective steps undertaken can be China’s model of circle distancing.”
We also have noticed that there were some complaints about food shortage, particularly flour shortage in certain areas, the bench highlighted.
When confronted with such reports, the acting advocate general submits that appropriate measures were already taken to ensure that all daily and common use commodities remain available.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 5th, 2020.