LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has directed the government to ensure distribution of financial or food aid among the deserving people, hit by the coronavirus lockdown, under a uniform policy, irrespective of social or political discrimination.

Since the grain and vegetable markets have been exempted from the lockdown, the court observes that the authorities concerned are supposed to adopt all possible precautionary measures including disinfection and distancing of the people visiting the markets.

“All persons entering and leaving markets must be screened and disinfected, while steps like China model circle distancing be taken for the visitors,” says an interim order issued by a full bench during hearing of a petition, questioning “inefficiency” on the part of the government to in fight against Covid-19.

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

With respect to release of under-trial or convicted prisoners, the bench expects the federal and provincial governments to form a policy and submit it to the authority within parameters of law.

It observes that the option of release on parole/probation must also be considered by the authorities.

The bench remarks that the nation is facing a pandemic and faced with an extraordinary situation and “we all need to fight it back, as community as well as individuals”.

“Our cooperation with the men [and women] in the field is the need of the time. We must share their burden by staying at homes, we must play our part in creating Covid-19 awareness amongst the masses,” observes the bench.

It urges social, electronic and print media to feel their responsibility and recognise that any misinformation can be a source of spreading panic in society and may be demoralising for those in field.

“Where they [media] see anything wrong they may criticise as well, but considering the unusual situation and circumstances we expect them to come out with positive ideas for betterment [of the situation],” the judges conclude the order.

Next date of the hearing is yet to be fixed.

Published in Dawn, April 5th, 2020