From Our Correspondent
TAFTAN: The Zaireen (Shia pilgrims) at Pak-Iran border Taftan continue to complain about lack of basic facilities at quarantine centers established at the bordering town, the charge vehemently denied by officials. The Zaireen also staged a protest demonstration the other day to press the authorities to provide them basic facilities.
However, the Director General Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Imran Zarkoon denies their allegations and says that Zaireen were being provided all facilities including food and medicines. Pakistan has quarantined over 3800 people at its border with Iran to halt the spread of corona virus. However, the Zaireen are trying to flee from centers. Law enforcement agencies caught 51 Zaireen fleeing from Taftan at Mian Ghundi and quarantined them in the nearby center.
“Here washrooms paint a bleak picture at centers”, Amir Ali, one of the pilgrims tells Quetta Voice via telephone. Only provision of food was not enough rather they have to take care of the hygiene situation as well, Ali laments.
The Balochistan government on Tuesday night confirmed first corona patient in Quetta’s Fatima Jinnah Chest and TB hospital. A 12 year old boy was tested positive for the deadly corona virus.
“Condition of centers is miserable and we are fed up here”, Nida Fatima, another female pilgrim complained. However, spokesman government of Balochistan, Liaqat Shahwani said the government was making all out efforts to facilitate the pilgrims.
PDMA to make arrangements to quarantine 25000 people at Taftan
Fatima complained that women and children were suffering from miserable conditions inside quarantine centers.
A total of 5565 Pakistani nationals have entered from Iran at Taftan border. Pakistan has quarantined over 3800 zaireen who had visited corona affected cities of Iran. However, remaining traders and tourists were allowed to proceed to Quetta since they had not visited any virus hit area of Iran.
Throughout the country so far 19 cases of novel corona virus have been reported. The Balochistan government has already shut down all educational institutions till March 15th halt the spread of virus.
