Salahuddin Haider
THIS Corona virus, now being called covi19, has engulfed the world, the West especially, with the dad count over 300,000, and over 4 million people in its grip, awaiting their fate, but God Almighty’s mercy and benevolence somehow had kept the Muslim world least affected.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, UAE all reporting much lesser number of victims and of those already in another world. However Pakistan government has taken a bold decision to allow small traders, iron and steel merchants, construction industry to resume business, off course with precautionary steps. But the problem is lack of awareness among people, particularly those of poorer segments of society. That what frightens doctors and paramedics of service to humanity may take a tragic turn.
However, now that the decision to reduce lock down limits has finally been taken, it has raised a ray of hope among small traders, shop-keepers and daily wage earners, some of whose families were driven to point of no return. Any way, Pakistani leadership, after mutual consultations with provinces, rangers, police and the military, has opted for cautious optimism.
In fact, Prime Minister Imran Khan was logical from the beginning that 100 percent lockdown or curfew like situation would further aggravate the situation. So let us face the situation boldly, and keep watching as to what happens next. Religious leaders, after their meeting with President Arif Alvi agreed on a 20-point programme to allow restricted gathering in mosques and place of worship. That a better sense prevailed was indeed lucky for all of us. However Juma congregation still has a question mark. Some of the mosques in far-flung areas, or in those in the outskirts of the city, were seen flouting these instructions, little realizing that emotionalism may prove fatal and quickly death toll may shoot up.
However it is really painful that federal and provincial governments are still at variance. Sindh has announced re-opening of small trades, shops, etc five days a week, closing completely at the week-end. Punjab government differed in the beginning but went a step ahead to allow shops to open on four instead of five days. Khyberpakhtun Khwa, where like Sindh and Punjab, situation is equally worrisome, too has taken cautious steps. Taking a look at global situation, even Britain is thinking of taking calculated risks. USA is worse hit, over 65,000 deaths, Perhaps they woke up late and now is paying a very heavy price.
However Islamabad is encouraged by America’s response to help it financially to fight the deadly disease. In fact there has been a noticeable turn in USA’s support to Pakistan and previous approach towards India. Modi, though firmly in power, however has begun to face worldwide criticism for its being ruthless on Muslims and other minorities. Muslim population living for centuries in India, are now worst victim of barbarism. The world can not remain idle spectator.
It has started raising voice against Modi’s policies. Imran has done well to reduce petrol price, though the reduction could have been much more. Nevertheless it is better than before. But Sui Southern gas company, despite government orders, is sending highly inflated bills to consumer. K-Electric is exercising some restraint, sending average bill to consumers, but it could demand difference later when the situation improves, and life returns to normalcy.
