LAHORE: A Lahore High Court full bench on Friday sought a detailed report from the Punjab government about measures being taken to combat coronavirus and facilities being provided to the people in quarantine centres.

Primary Healthcare Secretary Muhammad Usman and other officials were present in the court when the bench took up a public interest petition questioning the inadequate measures taken by the government in the wake of the novel virus hitting the country.

Chief Justice Muhammad Qasim Khan headed the bench along with Justice Ayesha A Malik, Justice Shahid Jamil Khan and Justice Sajid Mahmood Sethi.

The chief justice expressed concern as the secretary said two labs had been designated in Lahore for free tests. “Do you think two labs are enough in a city of 100 million?” the CJ asked the secretary.

The secretary also admitted that the government was not able to establish quarantines as per international standards.

Justice Shahid noted that the government kept infected and suspected patients together in quarantines, which could aggravate the situation.

Chief Justice Khan remarked that the country was in a war-like situation and the government needed to create awareness among the public.

To a query, the provincial secretary said the federal government would be able to apprise the court of the current situation at Taftan border with Iran. About the precautionary measures for court premises, the secretary said standard operating procedures will soon be formulated after meeting the court registrar.

The bench adjourned further hearing till March 24 and directed the secretary to furnish a report about the facilities in quarantine centres and testing facilities.

The bench also issued a notice to the federal government and directed a law officer to submit an updated report on behalf of Adviser to the Prime Minister on Health Zafar Mirza.

Judicial Activism Panel’s Advocate Muhammad Azhar Siddique filed the petition pleading that coronavirus had hit the country due to the government’s failure to take steps on time. He said transportation through airports, railway stations and bus stands should not be allowed without proper screening of passengers. He asked the court to include surgical mask, sanitiser and temperature reading guns in life-saving items.

Published in Dawn, March 21st, 2020