Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar has stressed the need for joint efforts to win the ongoing war on virus.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, the military media chief laid stress on reviving the zeal of Pakistan Day – a day when the Muslims of subcontinent adopted a unanimous resolve to create a separate homeland.

Maj Gen Iftikhar stressed that the petrol pumps and markets would remain open only according to the timings issued by the respective provincial governments.

The spokesperson also mentioned that Gen Bajwa had decided to donate one month’s salary to tackle the coronavirus, while personnel between the ranks of Brig to Lt Gen would donate three days' worth of their salaries. The personnel below the Col rank and soldiers would donate two and one days' worth of their salaries, respectively, he added.

Maj Gen Iftikhar also urged people to follow the guidelines issued by health authorities and the government.

Eighty years ago, he said, the veterans of Pakistan Movement set a goal and make the impossible possible in just seven years – creation of Pakistan. They marked an important milestone in the history of world and changed the global map by unity. This is the day to pay homage to the veteran.

He said today, descendants of the legend too have been getting through a critical situation that needs joint efforts against the coronavirus catastrophe that made modern and developed states helpless.

He stressed in 1940, the goal was Pakistan and now the goal is ‘Safe Pakistan’.

“Pakistan is facing the big challenge of coronavirus. It is the trust of a nation that helps the government to fight and win such challenging situations.

“The Army is aware of its responsibilities and will use all its resources to handle the situation,” he added.

He also mentioned a core commander’s meeting with the civil department held yesterday.

In the core commander meeting, he said, a plan of action to fight the coronavirus was discussed.

He also said the Government under article 245 has already asked for Army aid.

Even though there is heavy deployment of the troops at the line of control and western border, the Chief of Army Staff has ordered that all the available troops and medical resources be deployed as required.