Sindh govt seeks army deployment to enforce coronavirus SOPs

KARACHI: The government of Sindh has sought assistance from the Pakistan Army in enforcing coronavirus SOPs as cases surge across the country.

The provincial government has written to the Ministry of Interior, seeking the army’s deployment to help the civil administration under Article 245 of the Constitution.

Sindh government said it would inform the interior ministry about details regarding troop employment and equipment after holding consultations over the matter.

A day earlier, army troops were deployed in Islamabad and Peshawar after Prime Minister Imran Khan to see their help in ensuring the implementation of safety precautions.

Several officials of the Islamabad administration had visited various areas in the city on Friday along with army personnel to enforce the implementation of coronavirus protocols.

READ MORE: Army mobilizes to enforce COVID-19 protocols in Islamabad

Assistant Commissioner Rana Musa Tahir visited different commercial areas with an army and police contingent and took action against violators.

The district administration said 1,997 inspections were carried out on Friday, while 28 shops and one restaurant were sealed for violating coronavirus SOPs.

Nine people were arrested for hoarding and violation of SOPs and fines worth Rs226,000 were imposed. The army and district administration officials had also inspected 85 mosques, said the statement.