Punjab all set to launch Tiger Force

The force will help implement lockdown SOPs at mosques, quarantine centres

LAHORE: Punjab is all set to launch Corona Relief Tiger Force after the provincial administration decided to replicate the model of Corona Relief Tiger Force initially set up and tested in Silakot by the federal government.

As many as 993,226 volunteers have been registered for the Tiger Force in the country while their number is 647,411 in Punjab. Teachers, students, doctors, engineers, medical workers, lawyers, social workers and activists of all political parties are among these volunteers.

WATCH: PM appeals for more registration of Corona Relief Tiger Force

The main duties of Tiger Force are to facilitate the functioning of utility stores, implement SOPs at mosques, help in the management of isolation and quarantine centres, identify hoarders, profiteers and the deserving people in their locality and distribution of ration.

The volunteers would also be given training on security, quarantine, relief, health and awareness and duties would be assigned as per qualification and age. A code of conduct has also been issued for the volunteers.

The Tiger Force would work under the supervision of a district steering committee comprising of deputy commissioner (convener), district police officer, additional deputy commissioner (revenue), all members of national assembly and notables of the area. Similar committees have also been formed at tehsil and union council level.

Half a million join ‘Corona Relief Tiger Force’

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar was reportedly said to inaugurate CRTF in Punjab on Wednesday, however, that meeting was later termed as a meeting with the members of the force in Sialkot, whereas according to latest development the CRTF will become operational after a formal address by Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday.

The decision to replicate CRTF Sialkot model to entire Punjab was taken in a meeting chaired by Provincial Industries Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal and Minister for Special Education Muhammad Ikhlaq which reviewed functioning and operational matters of Corona Relief Tiger Force in all districts of Punjab.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 2^nd, 2020.