Tiger Force controversy

Prime Minister Imran Khan announced to set up the ‘Corona Tiger Force’ involving the youth to help the needy affected by the lockdown. The task force has already invited controversy and different opposition parties have joined together to reject its creation alleging that it will be used for political purposes.

PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif has been the most vocal opposing the task force, calling it a political stunt, and demanding a parliamentary committee to oversee the funds being collected for coronavirus relief. Many opposition parties have vehemently rejected the Tiger Force and said that the step was merely a political gimmickry in the presence of the local administration.

There has been opposition even at the Tiger Force name. Political parties claim the task force is only for PTI supporters as Imran Khan fondly calls them tigers. The Sindh government has demanded that it should be renamed as the Pakistan Volunteers Force. PPP leader Sherry Rehman has termed it a bad item and the task force is mired in even further controversy even before inception.

Shehbaz Sharif, who said he returned to help the country in these difficult times, has been using the pandemic for his political cause and using it as a front against the government. It is not known if the Sharif family has made any efforts or given contributions to help coronavirus patients. He walked out when an online meeting of parliamentary leaders was held over the coronavirus crisis. It is a travesty that politicking has been ongoing even during an epic disaster.

The coronavirus pandemic has spread across the country and many provinces have imposed a lockdown of varying degrees to contain the spread of the virus. The Sindh government has vowed to distribute free food supplies among those affected by the lockdown. A committee was formed and a mobile service was set up but there has been no implementation and the poor have yet to receive any relief.

It is evident that opposition parties are using the crisis to merely criticize the government. Local bodies are the most effective way to distribute these supplies but they have also appeased their supporters. Although the opposition can demand transparency in distribution of funds and better facilities, this is not the moment to use the crisis for political gains. We need to shun our differences aside and unite together to save the nation from the pandemic.