SAPM Dr. Zafar Mirza’s Removal: A Call to Action by CJP Gulzar Ahmed
The recent Suo Motu hearing on the coronavirus pandemic has led to a significant development, with Pakistan’s Supreme Judge, Gulzar Ahmed, calling for the removal of Dr. Zafar Mirza, the Special Adviser to the Prime Minister. This decision was made in light of the government’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis, which has raised concerns about the country’s preparedness and response to the pandemic.
During the hearing, Attorney General Khalid Jawed Khan urged the CJP to allow the government to handle the matter, citing that Dr. Mirza’s removal would be catastrophic at this critical time. He argued that changing the leadership in the middle of a crisis would be disastrous, likening it to changing pilots mid-flight. However, the CJP remained firm in his decision, emphasizing the need for effective leadership in combating the pandemic.
Corruption and Inefficiency: A Major Concern
The CJP expressed his disappointment with the government’s handling of the pandemic, stating that “corrupt people” are part of the cabinet, which has hindered the country’s response to the crisis. He questioned the role of Dr. Zafar Mirza, a former director of health systems development at the World Health Organization (WHO), and ordered his resignation. This move has sparked a debate about the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in its response to the pandemic.
The Supreme Court, led by CJP Gulzar Ahmed, has been monitoring the government’s response to the pandemic closely. On Friday, the court sent notices to the Secretary General of Pakistan, the Minister of Health, and the Minister of Interior, seeking a response to the facilities available to citizens. The federal government subsequently filed a report with the Supreme Court, highlighting the measures taken to combat the pandemic, including the establishment of special screening desks at international airports and border crossings.
Measures Taken by the Government
According to the report, the government has taken several steps to prevent the spread of the virus, including:
- Establishing special screening desks at all major international airports and border crossings, including the borders of Taftan, Chaman, and Torkham
- Declaring an emergency in the border areas of Balochistan with Iran and deploying additional teams at the border crossings
- Requiring all passengers entering Pakistan to complete a mandatory health form before entering the country
- Identifying 207 hospitals in 154 districts across the country as isolation units for suspected coronavirus patients
- Setting up 300 beds with quarantine facilities in Islamabad and two camp beds with 1,000 beds in Lahore and Karachi
- Installing 83 thermal scanners in various locations in Pakistan to identify suspected patients
While these measures are a step in the right direction, the CJP’s call for Dr. Mirza’s removal highlights the need for more effective leadership and a coordinated response to the pandemic. The government must prioritize transparency, accountability, and efficiency in its response to the crisis, ensuring that the country is equipped to handle the challenges posed by COVID-19.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the situation:
- Q: Why did the CJP call for Dr. Mirza’s removal?
A: The CJP called for Dr. Mirza’s removal due to concerns about the government’s handling of the pandemic and the need for effective leadership. - Q: What measures has the government taken to combat the pandemic?
A: The government has established special screening desks, declared an emergency in border areas, and set up isolation units and quarantine facilities, among other measures. - Q: What is the current situation with COVID-19 in Pakistan?
A: The situation is constantly evolving, with new cases being reported daily. The government and health authorities are working to contain the spread of the virus and provide adequate healthcare facilities to those affected.
