ISLAMABAD - Marchers and policemen are falling ill due to the infectious diseases, caused by overcrowding and unhygienic conditions at Red Zone.
About 1200 cops complaining of vomiting, diarrhea, backache and fatigue have been treated at Polyclinic Hospital. Eight protesters were also treated on Saturday at different hospitals for similar complaints, while many were at the site of sit-ins. Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri has been alleging the government of contaminating the water, supplied for the protestors. He claimed that it was causing diarrhea and other epidemics, whereas the government representatives have refuted such claims. The Pims Vice Chancellor said that the protesters had been provided standardized chlorinated water, quite safe for human consumption.
“The cause behind the spread of infectious diseases are unhygienic conditions, overcrowding and lack of proper hand-washing facilities,” he explained.
He said that in a meeting with the Health Directorate of Capital Development Authority it was also decided not to add ice in the water that it might contaminate water.