AS Prime Minister Imran Khan made a categorical assurance to the nation that more businesses would be opened if there is no renewed surge in the spread of deadly Covid-19 after Eidul Azha and Moharram, businessmen have apparently adopted a self-centred approach to the grave health issue by announcing plans to resist decision of the Punjab Government for nine-day smart lockdown in the province as part of precautionary measures against the contagious virus. The reaction of the business community conveys an unfortunate impression that they keep their business interest above everything else including health and life of the citizens.
It is known to all that Prime Minister Imran Khan, from the day one, has been against total and countrywide lockdown in view of its implications for families and the overall economy. In fact, he resisted {legitimate} demands for continuation of some restrictions on some sectors and earned criticism on this account. It is because of his liberal policy and the strategy of smart lockdown that today, with the exception of a few businesses and services, life is almost back to normal all over the country with salutary impact on economic activities and creation of livelihood opportunities for the people. In line with this policy, in a televised address on Monday, the Prime Minister made a commitment that all businesses, including marriage halls, restaurants, educational institutions as well as those associated with the tourism sector, might reopen if the present trend of low Covid-19 cases persisted throughout Muharram.
The conditional pledge is understandable as the Government took the risk of lifting most of the Covid-19 restrictions ahead of Eidul Fitr and as a consequence there was sharp increase in infection cases and the rate of deaths also hiked dramatically. The Government clearly wants the masses to follow precautions and SOPs in their own interest so that there is not another hike in the cases and it is responsibility of every citizen (towards himself as well as others) to extend a helping hand in overcoming the challenge. The decision of the Punjab Government too should be seen in the same context as previous restrictions produced desirable results as reflected in zero deaths for the first time in two months. The official daily tally of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the province has remained below 500 over the last one week. This positive trend needs to be sustained and this is possible only if sanity prevails during Eid and Moharram, two occasions where people are feared to violate SOPs as was experienced in the past.
There would be no major disruption of normal life as grocery stores, bakeries, corner shops, fruit and vegetable shops, meat and milk shops and tandoors will be allowed to operate from 6am to 12am while inter-city and inter-district public transport will be allowed to operate round-the-clock. Chief Secretary of the province Jawwad Rafique legitimately pointed out that shopping activities in markets before Eidul Azha could intensify the spread of Covid-19 and keeping in view the experience of Eidul Fitr, it had been decided in the larger public interest to enforce ‘smart lockdowns’ ahead of the upcoming religious festival. No doubt, businesses that have been ordered to be closed will suffer during the period but these losses are transitory and negligible as compared to loss of life and risks to health of the people in case of spike in virus cases caused by casual attitude. In fact, businessmen have to blame themselves for the move of the provincial government as they are least bothered to observe precautionary measures and even do not wear masks, which is fundamental to the safety protocols.
The situation can remain under control if people heed to the call of the Prime Minister to observe their animal sacrifice ritual online and follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) if they had to visit the animal market. The concept of collective sacrifice can help check the spread of the virus and people ought to opt for it for their own sake and that of the society. There is no logic for harsh reaction as Covid-19 is not product of any Government policy or activity and its actions to combat the pandemic are aimed at saving life and health of the citizens. Every one of us must demonstrate that we are responsible citizens and only then we can expect acceleration in the pace of normalization.
