SIKANDAR NOORANI
WORLDWIDE panic over outbreak of Co rona virus is hitting headlines on a daily basis. It is such an unprecedented episode that the outlook of the whole world seems reshaped. Potential of exponential speedy spread and non-availability of appropriate cure has made the invisible virus a horrifying nightmare for most of the countries. Initial cold response to the invisible threat in Pakistan has gradually changed into a serious campaign. It is almost clear at this stage that undesired virus reached Pakistan through citizens returning from abroad. Inappropriate screening and ill planned belated quarantine facilities at entry points subsequently led to spread of the virus in Pakistan like many other countries of the world. Major part of the country is undergoing partial lockdown to curtail the exponential spread. As per experts, care is more effective than cure. Though, a full scale lockdown may not be affordable for the country, however, any exponential spread would also prove catastrophic on many accounts. Challenge of Corona has emerged at a time when the country is already battling for the revival of deteriorated economy. Sharp declines and crashes in international stock market have jolted the fragile national economy. Any prolonged lockdown will jeopardize the overall production and add to already inflating unemployment. This uphill challenge for the government is just like walking on a tight rope. There is hardly any room for a mistake. Judgmental errors will prove fatal! Let’s admit that dealing with a pandemic like Corona is not an easy task under the given situation.We have seen the outcome of bureaucratic inefficiency in the form of unscreened entry of infected travellers which has ultimately brought the whole country at the verge of a lockdown. Our initial judgement of the outbreak proved erroneous! Outbreak in Wuhan city of China could not ring any alarm in Pakistan while having frequent travellers outback. Likewise, initial detection of virus in Iranian holy city Qum was taken lightly by the authorities on either side at a time once a huge number of pilgrims were due to fall back Pakistan. Poor administrative infrastructure at the Taftan crossing and difficult accessibility further complicated the belated damage control measures. Fact of the matter is that two neighbouring countries, Iran and China, encountered fatal outbreak while a meaningful peace prevailed on our side until the infected travellers returned home. As the virus turned nasty in Italy, France, Spain and many other countries, the issue got a higher priority in our list. Being a traditional late starter, now authorities are actively campaigning to curtail the virus spread through forced measures like lock down and overdose of public advisories. Centre and provinces, though, lack consensus over the issue of lockdown, however, a strong commonality of cause still persists. Sindh provincial government has taken a good lead in countering the threat by setting the initial benchmark! So is the case of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, who offered cooperation to the federal government by refraining from criticism on PM. It is heartening that opposition parties like PPP, JUI, PML-N and JI have offered full cooperation to the government by keeping aside the political differences. This emerging unity will definitely help in building a solid national campaign. Announcement of much needed relief package worth rupees two billion specially monthly stipend for 7.5 million daily wagers is an appreciable decision. Reduction of 15 rupees in oil prices is insufficient and needs to be doubled. Pause in economic activities in the form of closure of major markets is going to be a great burden on poor daily wagers and labor class. It will be a real uphill challenge for the government to take care of all the needs of the most affected part of the society. Besides ensuring effective passage of relief package to the real needy class, government should incorporate all networks of welfare organizations actively operating round the clock. National tendency of charity and networks of welfare organizations will play a key role in war against the virus. Armed forces have already been called upon in aid of civil government. Media has played a vital role in creating public awareness and now it should focus on curbing the panic by killing the rumours. While fighting at internal front against the deadly virus, Pakistan is pursuing the regional and global objectives by effectively raising the voice over inhuman lockdown in Indian occupied Kashmir and appealing to lift the US sanctions from Iran amid outbreak of Corona. Under such testing times, Pakistan has once again shown a gesture of humanity and brotherhood towards Afghanistan by partial opening of Chaman-Bolduk border for transportation of fooditems.This humanitarian gesture of Pak PM was appreciated by formerAfghanCEOAbdullahAbdullah. It is evident that campaign against deadly virus can only be made a success through unity, discipline, kindness and efficiency. Government should keep a tighter watch on hoarding and smuggling of food items as well as essential drugs. Besides this a tougher hand should be applied to curb the rumours and unauthentic posts generating panic or harassment. This war against the virus must be fought with a healing touch for the marginalized quarters of the society. —The writer is a free lancer who often contributes in national newspapers. Email: [email protected]
