The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) has vowed to hold its public gathering in Peshawar this weekend at all costs despite the rising number of coronavirus cases. These large gatherings are considered as one of the biggest reasons for the recent surge in cases amid the second wave of the pandemic.
The government has urged the opposition to postpone the rally but the opposition appears undeterred and instead claims that hurdles are being created for them. Prime Minister Imran Khan announced a ban on large gatherings as part of recent safety measures but these are being seldom enforced. The opposition instead wants the media to cover the event in an objective manner.
The information minister has rightly said that the pandemic has been politicized. He has urged the opposition to reconsider their political activities and reminded them that they were advocating a complete lockdown and should ignore the pandemic for the sake of politics. This is a dangerous precedent if mainstream political parties do not adhere to safety precautions and place the lives of their workers at stake.
The PML-N went ahead with political meetings in Mansehra and Swat despite permission being denied. The PPP wants to hold a public meeting in Multan on November 30 at all costs. Pakistan has been witnessing over 2,000 cases per day yet the opposition is continuing its political events. This was also witnessed during the recently concluded Gilgit Baltistan elections but the situation is worsening now.
The opposition claims it is fighting for the supremacy of the law and upholding the constitution but on the pretext of overthrowing Imran Khan’s government, they have been playing with the lives and health of citizens. The local administration often appears hapless in controlling large crowds and is unable to enforce SOPs during rallies. It remains the responsibility of political leaders to ensure that their activities do not harm others.
The worst thing that could happen is to politicize the pandemic as seen in many countries. Large gatherings with complete disregard for safety precautions are ‘superspreaders’ and can wreak havoc. The opposition should suspend their political activities and protect the lives and health of the people.
