PM Imran announces launch of 'corona relief tigers' to preempt virus' worst case scenario.

ISLAMABAD -- Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday announced the launch of a youth force labelled "corona relief tigers" which will lead the fight against the coronavirus in Pakistan.

"Recruitment for corona relief tigers will formally begin on March 31. We are calling upon all volunteers," said the premier during a special briefing to the media.

Noting that the virus has spread dramatically across the globe, with the United States emerging as the new epicentre, the premier said: "No one can say today what the situation will be two weeks down the line."

"That's why we have to be prepared for the worst case scenario (in Pakistan) in case the number of cases spike," he said.

Referring to President Alvi's visit to China during which he was accompanied by Asad Umar and Foreign Mininster Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the premier said that the Pakistani delegation asked China how they controlled the situation at a time when there were close to 60,000 cases in Wuhan.

It is important to note that when they enforced a lockdown, they delivered food to people's homes.

He said that Pakistani students recalled that the government would send supplies straight to their hostels.

"In Pakistan, this is a tall order. Today, if we want to lockdown, we don't have the infrastructure to get food to people's homes.

"So I am announcing today, we are developing a special youth force. Preparations for this are in full swing. We will have a membership drive with the citizen's portal," said PM Imran.

He reminded everyone that "we have the world's second largest youth population" which is a great source of strength for the nation.

The corona relief tigers will be sent all over Pakistan. We will map out where there is a spike in cases and these tigers will be sent to those areas to deliver essential supplies.

The prime minister said that in the coming week, a 'corona fund' will also be announced, which will welcome charitable donations so that the underpriveleged can be looked after.

Data on our daily wagers is being collected. We will also dispense funds from the Ehsas programme and then this fund will be an added source to help people buy essential items for their families.

Labelling this an unprecedented initiative and putting stock in people's charitable spirits, the prime minister said that Pakistanis donate like no other nation in the world. He recalled earthquakes and floods which had wreaked much damage in the country but put no dent in people's willingness to help.

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