THE ground situation is still quite uncertain but a debate is raging whether the existing {partial} lockdown should be extended to consolidate apparent gains or some sectors be allowed to open as part of the efforts to provide economic relief to the people. Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has already announced to open the construction sector from April 14 has invited input from the provinces as to what sectors should be allowed to resume their normal activities but Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, while opposing the proposition of gradual lifting of restriction at this point of time, has made a strong recommendation to extend the lockdown for at least another week. It is good that all issues are being discussed in a threadbare manner and hopefully a consensus decision would be taken by the entire country as absence of unity of actions would make the intended measures less effective. Otherwise too, any decision taken by the Federation would lose its significance if it is not endorsed by the provinces, which would actually enforce the lockdown or plan for easing of restrictions. The situation is fluid and the Parliamentary Committee on Coronavirus on Thursday said that the next three or four weeks could become risky regarding the spread of Coronavirus in Pakistan. Prime Minister Imran Khan too has issued warning twice in two days regarding possible deterioration of the situation, seeking cooperation of the masses to help address the challenge effectively. Federal Minister for Aviation, Ghulam Sarwar Khan, during a television programme, referred to a presentation given to the cabinet and said there are projections that the number of affected people could increase to seventy thousand and the number of deaths could touch the figure of seven hundred. There is also a viewpoint that the existing numbers that have reached 4600 could have increased if there was no lockdown. Sindh officials as well as Health Minister of Punjab also agree that lockdown has had a salutary impact on the overall situation. There are, of course, pluses and minuses of both extension of the lockdown and easing of existing restrictions for some sectors. The experience of the world bears testimony to the fact that there was no sure short method to control the situation except total lockdown. We have also seen that enormous increase in the number of affected people puts unbearable pressure on the health system, which has virtually collapsed in many countries and even developed and resourceful states find it difficult to ensure proper healthcare for every affected person. Under these conditions, any abrupt jump in numbers could lead to fall of the health system in the country, which is presently coping with the situation to the best of its ability. But there are also signs that doctors and medical staff too are becoming weary of the situation especially in the absence of personal protective equipment. This is evident from a report from Multan that as many as 453 pilgrims out of 1,160, who were sent to their respective districts on last Saturday after being declared ‘negative’ for COVID-19, have tested positive during later diagnosis only because refusal of police and health staff to work inside quarantine allowed pilgrims to mix up. Restrictions imposed due to the spread of Coronavirus have also caused economic problems for families and partial resumption of activities by some sectors could offer opportunities to people to earn their livelihood. No doubt, the Government has launched largest ever cash disbursement programme in the history of the country to offset impact of the situation on the poor but it is also understood that payment of twelve thousand rupees for four months is just a peanut when a 20 kilogram wheat flour bag costs Rs. 1400 these days. However, safety of lives should be the first priority and extension of lockdown for one week would have more advantages than drawbacks. President Dr. Arif Alvi, who is instrumental in efforts to motivate people to extend wholehearted cooperation to the Government in handling the situation, has also made it known that he was in favour of more stringent lockdown. Anyhow, if the Government still opts for gradual opening of sectors, then this should be accompanied by strict enforcement of precautionary and safety measures.
