Armed forces called in under article 245 of the constitution: DG ISPR

Nasir Wakeel

23 Mar, 2020

Pakistan

RAWALPINDI: Director General Inter Services Public Relation (DG ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar said that armed forces are called in to assist civil administration under article 245 of the constitution.

Addressing a press conference in Rawalpindi on Monday, DG ISPR wished the citizens on the Pakistan Resolution Day.

Maj Gen Iftikhar said he wished to apprise the country's citizens of the military's efforts in the war against COVID-19, which has so far infected 882 people and left at least six people dead.

The chief military spokesperson confirmed that armed forces are called in aid of civil power under Article 245 of the Constitution. “Army will assist federal and provincial governments in their respective plans to deal with COVID-19,” he added.

He said all shopping malls, restaurants and public transport will remain closed across the country.

The borders had been closed as a preventive measure but "the actual border is between the man and the coronavirus, which we have yet to take control of", he said.

"This will only be possible through self-discipline and cooperation. The best defense against the coronovirus is cooperation,” he said, adding that Pakistan was facing a serious challenge and that only with the people’s belief in the state could this problem be resolved.

"Pakistan Army is well aware of its responsibility and will bring all of its resources to use,” he said, assuring the citizens that the Army was standing alongside its countrypeople.

The DG ISPR said Army Chief has directed to employ all medical and other resources of the army in overcoming the threat of coronavirus.