THERE is no doubt that the decision to impose partial lockdown and now the process of lifting of Corona-related restrictions in a gradual manner were dictated by concerns for health and general welfare of the people but transporters in Punjab and businessmen in Karachi are behaving irresponsibly in a situation that is not creation of the Government. They are reacting to the safety guidelines prepared by the provincial governments in the same way as they had been opposing some of the saner proposals floated by successive governments in the past to rationalize their operations.
Traders and transporters had embarked upon an aggressive campaign to pressurize the Government for early reopening of businesses and transport despite the fact that the spread of the virus was on the increase as confirmed by daily data released by the federal and provincial governments and details appearing in national media. The Government showed sensitivity to their demand and woes of the general public and apart from allowing all businesses to run, Punjab and KP also went a step ahead in giving permission to the public transport to ply on the road. It is quite obvious that no government around the globe would allow free for all movement of traffic and doing of business putting life of the people at risk. Therefore, SOPs were evolved and restrictions with regard to working days and timings were imposed to minimize the risks. This would have been welcomed by all especially the transporters and businessmen but regrettably traders in Karachi are threatening to run their businesses 24 hours a day and transporters in Punjab are resisting to the decision of 20% cut in fares and keeping half seats empty in vehicles as safety precautions. It is all the more ironical that leaders of businessmen, who were previously on record having assured on a number of occasions that they would enforce SOPs in markets and bazaars, are now flatly refusing to do so saying they were unable to cope with the rush and that round-the-clock working should be allowed. Similarly, transport associations in Punjab have announced to keep their vehicles off the road until and unless the conditions are reviewed by the provincial government. We are passing through an extraordinary situation where all segments of the society including businessmen and transporters are supposed to act responsibility for the collective good. The Government should not bow before pressure tactics stemming from greed for money and insensitivity towards life and health of the people. There should be no compromise on safety precautions and nominal reduction of fare, which is right of the people after handsome reduction in oil prices.
