Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Saturday directed the army to fast-track operations to help out the civil administration as the country grapples with the coronavirus outbreak. The first steps need to be taken on an individual level by the public to protect themselves, General Bajwa said. "The government's efforts will only be successful if the public takes precautions themselves. It is the job of every Pakistani to listen to the precautionary measures put out by the government and the health department," he said.
General Bajwa added that no danger could shake the resolve of a responsible and determined nation, pointing to China as an example. "Pakistan Army as a part of the national effort will also be responsible. We, the Pakistan Army, believe it is our duty to protect the nation," the army chief said.