DR MUHAMMAD KHAN
THE Government has imposed strict mea sures and a general lock-down to minimize the impact of novel Corona Virus (Covid19). The Law EnforcementAgencies (LEAs); police, paramilitary forces and even Pak Army personnel are out to protect the people by stopping theirlarge gatherings, un-necessarymovement and un-wanted interactions. However, all is not the responsibility ofthe government(s) and LEAs;the society has equal responsibilities towards its prevention or atleasttominimizethe spread ofCovid19. Learning from the Chinese model of controlling the spread of this deadly virus, it is to be mentioned that immediately after it was known that Covid-19 is found and spreading in Wuhan city, China locked-down the city and asked the masses to remain at their houses. The Chinese masses positively responded to the call of Government and within a period of ten weeks, China was able to control the Corona Virus. Restricting the movement of people, especially those affected from this virus is the most important phase of controlling Covid-19. The clam-down is in-fact meant for this purpose. The initial rapid spread of Covid-19 in Pakistan was mainly because of the poor social response. Despite warnings of the Government and available Chinese model, the affected people, who came mainly from Iran, kept moving between cities, transmitting the disease to their relatives and others who inter-act them. In some parts of Pakistan, people still move freely while deceiving the LEAs. Among these there is a sizable number of people who suffer from this deadly virus and while changing their positions cause spread of Covid-19. This is quite an irresponsible social behaviour, reflected by the masses of Pakistan. Besides, some of the Government ministers also violated the standard operating procedures (SOPs) by allowing entry of the people, coming back from Iran without taking precautionary measures. Until March 30, 2020 the deadly Covid-19 has killed over 33000 people world-wide with a million plus found positive undergoing treatment in over 193 countries. Till-date, the total human losses of China is less than 3300. This means that this country was able to control the spread of Covid-19 and treat the affected people in a record time with national enthusiasm, dedication, devotion and determination. China made it possible because of two factors: one, good governance system at the level of state and two, cooperative and positive masses. At the beginning of Covid-19, Chinese government under the leadership of President Xi Jinping has demonstrated unparalleled prudence, unique resolve and unwavering determination to fight the deadly Corona Virus. The society (masses) of China equally responded to the call of government without questioning. A combination of good governance and a cooperative social response made this nation to fight Covid-19 in an efficient manner. Indeed, “Great leaders don’t tell you what to do. They show you how it’s done.” President Xi Jinping demonstrated the world that, China has done what others could not think of doing. Then, there existed an intimate relationship between leader and led in China. Leadership of Xi Jinping inspired his masses to take new and innovative measures to implement the implausible. The summary of Chinese achievement in defeating the Covid-19 is; “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower. Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” This is exactly what China has done to fight the Covid-19. There was no or set precedence (SOPs) of battling such a catastrophic challenge which could have engulfed the entire Chinese population, had it not taken timely action. While China has controlled this highly transmittable virus, those ridiculed it by calling ‘Chinese virus’ have been found wanting to overcome the spread of Covid-19. United States President has requested Chinese President to help the super power in controlling the pandemic. Today, United Sates has highest number of Covid-19 patients in the world while its European partners are worst affected with the outbreak of epidemic. In order to stop further spread of the pandemic and subsequently control it, Pakistani leadership and masses need to follow the Chinese model. China has already sent two planes loaded with medical instruments, testing kits, ventilators, masks and medical personnel to help Pakistan in controlling the Corona Virus.With 11 deaths and 1500 confirmed cases of Corona Virus, Pakistan is facing a serious challenge to combat Covid-19. The state and society of Pakistan has a strong and very recent precedence of defeating the terrorism in the context of global war on terror. It was the dedicated support of Pakistani society which reinforced its armed forces while they were combating the terrorism and their globally supported terrorist network. Although the nature of challenge was quite different while fighting the terrorism, nevertheless national unity and social harmony are pre-requisites for combating both. Pakistan’s gradual transition from a city struggling to fight terrorism and so-called religious militancy to a peaceful and tolerant society with more potential for economic progress in a digital age has been appreciated by the international community. The visits of British Royalty and other globally-acclaimed celebrities to Pakistan and the inflow of FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in the country are signs of a changed Pakistan. Chinese extraordinary fight against Covid-19 and Pakistan’s unprecedented combating the terrorism proves that, these two nations can combat any challenge with lot of farsightedness and resolve. In the fight against Covid-19, today the armed forces of Pakistan are fully supporting the other national institutions. There is need that, Pakistani civil society, intellectual class, the masses and above all the media houses provide a dedicated and untiring support in overcoming this epidemic. A cooperative mechanism among all these segments of Pakistani society will enable the state to overcome this dreadful challenge of Covid-19. — The writer is Professor of Politics and IR at International Islamic University, Islamabad.
