The military spokesman said Gen Bajwa would donate his one month’s salary to the government’s emergency fund, whereas officers in the ranks of brigadier to lieutenant general would donate their three days salaries, officers up to the rank of colonel two days of salaries and junior commissioned officers and soldiers would contribute their one day salary.

Earlier, the ISPR in a statement on a special meeting of the Corps Commanders on Covid-19 held on Sunday evening said: “All available troops of Pakistan Army and its medical resources across the country have been tasked to be ready to assist activities in concert with civil administration on short notice.”

“Forum reviewed countrywide spread of Covid-19 and deliberated army’s readiness to assist civil administration to contain the pandemic,” the ISPR further said about the meeting.

The statement on the meeting was issued by the military’s media wing well after Sunday midnight. It was the first time that the top military command met exclusively on an aggravating health crisis. In contrast to the regular monthly meetings, this one on Covid-19 was held through video conferencing with commanders participating from their respective corps headquarters. The COAS chaired the session.

Participating in the conference, Gen Bajwa said: “Nothing can defeat a responsible and determined nation. Pakistan Army being part of national effort shall serve and protect the nation as a sacred duty InshAllah”.

The same message was reflected in Gen Bajwa’s March 23 message, which was tweeted from ISPR’s official account. “Pakistan Resolution Day symbolizes struggle for Pakistan. While paying glowing tribute to our ancestors, we reaffirm our resolve and commitment to defeat all challenges including Covid-19 pandemic with Faith, Unity and self-discipline,” the army chief said.

The previous corps commanders’ conference, which was held on March 12, too, had coronavirus pandemic on its agenda. The commanders had then reviewed the preparations undertaken by the army to deal with what was then an emerging crisis. Gen Bajwa had on that occasion directed gearing up of preparations to support the national effort.