The coronavirus pandemic has now affected almost every country in the world. The dreaded virus which originated in China has now wreaked havoc in European countries such as Italy, Spain, France, and UK and is now moving towards Africa along with a heavy toll on human lives and economies.
Governments around the world are undertaking strict and unprecedented measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Italy, Spain and France have imposed a complete lockdown, while even several states of America have ordered millions of residents to stay at home.
In Pakistan, the federal and provincial governments have imposed a shutdown of varying degrees. The most effective measures so far are taken by the Sindh government under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. A complete lockdown and safety precautions are the only measures that can be undertaken in such circumstances.
Along with the necessary safety precautions, the government is also raising awareness about the deadly virus. The role of the media in providing vital information is vital. Earlier, CM Sindh called on residents to go into self-isolation for three days. Now a complete or partial lockdown has been imposed in all parts of the countries.
Yet people are not serious over the lockdown and are instead using this a vacation time. Some are headed to visit their relatives, hold parties at homes, rejoice in cock pen fights, play street cricket, or merely loitering around aimlessly. Due to such irrational behaviour, the chief minister took the drastic decision to impose a complete lockdown.
The armed forces have been called in Punjab and Balochistan to implement a shutdown. Prime Minister Imran Khan has been reluctant to impose a complete lockdown saying we don’t have the capacity to do so and the poor and working class will suffer the most. In this address to the nation, he said the working class comprising a quarter of the population will suffer the most. Instead, the prime minister advised that we should enforce social distancing and safety precautions on our own.
If we take the prime minister advice, it should also be known that the working class will lose their jobs nonetheless as there is no business or trading activity. These daily wage earners are still idle on the streets waiting for any work so they can receive for a day’s earing. Sustenance is provided by the Al-Mighty while the rulers are responsible for protecting the lives and livelihoods for the citizens.
The prime minister should utilise all resources at his disposal and make tough decisions and the nation will support him. He has said that Pakistan is a resilient nation and has never disappointed. In these tough times, we will show our generosity and help others in distress. We need to be united to fight this common enemy which is around us but is invisible to the human eye.
The prime minister is requested to reconsider the decision over the non-imposition of a nationwide lockdown. Although it made to a bit late, it is better than never. The situation of Italy is in front as they didn’t have the matter seriously and now hundreds are dying every day. If Pakistan faces even half of the situation as Italy, our dismal health system will be overwhelmed and will be out of control.
The people are requested to take the government’s directives seriously and not find ways to flout these rules. The deadly virus could be taken seriously as our lives and those of our loved ones are at stake. We should remember the sacrifices of doctors and medical staff who are risking their lives for us. These are the people in the frontline against the war against coronavirus.
In the words of Sindh Minister Nasir Shah, politics should be placed in quarantine. Political parties should demonstrate national unity to address the challenges being faced by the nation. The statement by PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to cooperate with the federal government should be appreciated.
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