FIGURES emanating from Punjab, Islamabad and some other regions are reflective of declining trend in the spread of Coronavirus but at the same time the overall picture was not satisfactory as the country ranks eleventh with the highest number of Covid-19 cases, overtaking Italy’s tally, which should be a matter of serious concern not just for the authorities concerned but also people of Pakistan. The prospects for early control of the virus seem to be bleak in the backdrop of free for all resumption of activities, laxity on the part of the federal and provincial governments with the passage of time and careless attitude of people as only a fraction of the population is observing SOPs including wearing of the masks and social distancing.
The situation was somewhat under control before Eid-ul-Fitr but the decision to open most of the sectors ahead of the festival and objection of the judiciary to closure of markets for three days a week became factors in accelerating the spread of the virus resulting into dramatic increase in the number of infected people and those losing their life. No doubt, federal and provincial governments tried their best while remaining within the available resources to increase testing facilities and also adopted the strategy of smart lockdowns, which has paid back as confirmed by significant drop in cases in the federal capital. According to Federal Minister Asad Umar, World Health Organisation Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom lauded Pakistani government’s response against the coronavirus pandemic and ‘recognised the positive trend of virus curtailment’ in the country. The Government has a point in taking credit for positive trend but there is a viewpoint that the declining figures have much to do with the lack of interest on the part of people to get them tested due to attitude of the health facilities where ordinary patients are also reported to be clubbed with those infected with Coronavirus. Anyhow, the situation might turn an ugly turn if the Government failed to formulate a clear-cut strategy for approaching Eid-ul-Azha and subsequent Moharram when processions are taken out on an almost daily basis. One fails to understand why we are allowing such activities when Saudi Arabia has went to the extent of cancelling Hajj for fear of spread of the virus. Traditions should not be allowed to become a cause for playing havoc with the health and life of the citizens. Prime Minister Imran Khan has appealed to the nation to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha with simplicity, strictly observing standard operating procedures (SOPs) against coronavirus but we have seen that mere issuance of appeals is not helpful until and unless local administration has clear directions to enforce them at all costs. We also have time to talk to the stakeholders and take a firm decision about mourning processions during Moharram.
