Pakistani Government to Deploy Army in Major Cities To Implement Public SOPs Against COVID-19

The Pakistani government has deployed the army in major cities in response to an increase in COVID incidents. ISPR announced on Monday that it had mobilized troops throughout the country. The government had requested assistance in enforcing recommended counter-Covid-19 initiatives.

This involves deployment in 16 cities with a very high positivity rate. Positivity rate is defined as the number of people who test positive for the virus out of all those checked in a day. Islamabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Charades, Swabi, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Gujranwala, Karachi, Hyderabad, Quetta, and Muzaffarabad are among the 16 cities.

Moreover, the deployment comes after the interior ministry released a notice on Sunday. The ministry approved the deployment of troops under Article 245 at the provinces\’ request. Prime Minister Imran Khan\’s National Coordination Committee had previously sought the army\’s help in enforcing coronavirus SOPs.

Subsequently, as an emergency responder, DG ISPR Iftikhar said that the army will provide full assistance. In times of difficulty, he said, the Pakistan Army will use all of its resources to curb the virus. The army will take all practicable measures to ensure the health and welfare of the nation.

Furthermore, DG ISPR provided information on the army\’s operation hierarchy during the deployment. He said that any administrative division\’s army units were led by a brigadier-general. An officer with the rank of lieutenant colonel will support the municipal government at the district level.

Third Wave of COVID-19 and its Devastating Impacts on Pakistan

Unfortunately, the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic caught Pakistan off guard. This resulted in a significant rise in COVID cases and deaths. Pakistan recorded 157 deaths in the previous 24 hours on Saturday. This was the largest single-day death toll from the Covid-19 pandemic since it began in February of last year.

The number of COVID-positive cases has risen as well. According to Gen Iftikhar, the global mortality rate is currently 2.12 per cent, while Pakistan\’s death rate has risen to 2.16 per cent. He reported that Pakistan has now crossed the global mortality rate for the first time. The third surge, according to the DG ISPR, is proving to be much riskier and lethal than the first two.

Lastly, as the crisis worsens, about 4,300 coronavirus patients are reportedly admitted to critical care, with 570 of them requiring ventilator treatment. In major cities, ventilation occupancy exceeds 90%. He also said that the health sector consumes more than 75 per cent of the oxygen provided in the region. He added that looking at the situation right now, the government can decide to allocate the oxygen quota of the industrial sector to the health sector to fulfil the patients\’ assistance.

News Desk

Your trusted source for insightful journalism. Stay informed with our compelling coverage of global affairs, business, technology, and more.

Recent

What is the Durand Line?

What is Durand Line?

The Durand Line, a 2,670-kilometer border drawn in 1893 between Afghanistan and British India, remains one of South Asia’s many contentious frontiers. Rejected by every Afghan government but recognized internationally, it symbolizes the region’s colonial legacy and ongoing power struggles. This backgrounder explores its origins in the Great Game, the legal and political controversies surrounding it, and its lasting impact on Pakistan-Afghanistan relations and regional security.

Read More »
Can war against terror be won without political consensus?

Can war against terror be won without political consensus?

For over two decades, Pakistan has battled the scourge of terrorism. Yet, despite military successes, the absence of political consensus continues to jeopardize lasting peace. As divisions deepen and populist narratives gain ground, the question remains: can Pakistan truly defeat terror without unity at the top?

Read More »
Shifting Sands: How Multipolar Pragmatism Is Redefining Global Alliances

Shifting Sands: How Multipolar Pragmatism Is Redefining Global Alliances

The world is entering an era of multipolar pragmatism where ideology no longer defines alliances. From NATO’s internal divides to BRICS expansion and regional realignments, states now pursue transactional partnerships driven by national interests. This fluid diplomacy creates both opportunities for middle powers and uncertainty in global governance.

Read More »
Afghan Taliban and Cross Border Terrorism in Pakistan

Afghan Taliban and Cross Border Terrorism in Pakistan

Pakistan is witnessing a sharp rise in terrorist attacks linked to the Afghan Taliban’s support for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). A new study reveals that Afghan nationals now dominate TTP infiltration groups, exposing Kabul’s complicity in cross-border militancy. As violence escalates, Islamabad must balance border control, diplomacy, and de-radicalisation to counter

Read More »
The New Normal: End of Pakistan’s Strategic Restraint

The New Normal: End of Pakistan’s Strategic Restraint

Any hope surrounding the Pakistan–Afghanistan dialogue in Doha is colliding with renewed violence and mutual distrust. Pakistan’s recent precision strikes in Paktika, following a shattered ceasefire and terrorist attacks, signal a shift toward active defense. The talks now hinge on whether Kabul can curb militant sanctuaries and move beyond its victim narrative.

Read More »