Tiger force political, can’t be made part of relief effort: Sindh minister

KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Energy Imtiaz Sheikh on Sunday afternoon disowned a letter written earlier by Chief Secretary Sindh Mumtaz Ali Shah to six divisional commissioners and 29 deputy commissioners of the provinces, directing them to utilise ‘Tiger Relief Force’ for distribution of ration in Sindh.

He maintained that the volunteers of Tiger Relief Force were all political workers, saying the relief operation in the province, including distribution of ration, should not be politicised.

After Sheikh’s statement, Sindh Information Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah denied endorsing Sheikh’s point of view and said that there should be no dispute over the distribution of ration and if any section of the society, including political workers, wanted to help the government, then it would be welcomed. Two days ago, a letter was written by chief secretary Sindh to six divisional commissioners and 29 deputy commissioners of the province, directing them to use the ‘Tiger Relief Force’ formed on the PM’s directives.

Commenting on the issue, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Khurram Sher Zaman said the force comprised youth from the society despite of their political affiliations. Zaman added the Sindh government ministers should consult each other before giving statements amid the coronavirus outbreak and its repercussions. He said the provincial ministers should not deal with all issues politically, while his party (PTI) was ready to support the Sindh government to fight against the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Youth Affairs, Usman Dar, said that the responsibility of Coronavirus Relief Tiger Force has been handed over to the provincial governments by PM Imran Khan.

Usman Dar criticised that the Sindh government was apparently disturbed over Corona Relief Tiger Force and the provincial authorities have to make its own decision regarding it. The special assistant questioned what the fault of the youth living in Sindh is if they have political associations. He added that the young generation has always prioritised Pakistan over their political associations.

“PM handed over responsibilities to provinces to utilise services of youth through Corona Relief Tiger Force and the Sindh government should not be afraid of it. We will share data of the youth with the provincial chief secretary tomorrow.”

Dar said the structure of the tiger force was designed to ensure its transparency in order to void fulfilling any political agenda. He praised Sindh minister Nasir Shah, saying that such people should be present in Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) who are willing to work together.

He added that the rhetoric of Nasir Shah for joint efforts to contain coronavirus pandemic would be beneficial for his political party and the province.