DR MUHAMMAD KHAN
THE challenge posed by Covid-19 has shaken the entire world with total deaths exceeding 110,000 and number of affected people(coronavirus positive) touching two million. Pakistan is also among the worst hit countries, battling this deadly pandemic from January 2020. Nevertheless, unlike Europe and America and other highly developed countries, Pakistan has been able to contain and minimize the effects of Covid-19. Timely decision for the clam-down and cessation of activities brought positive results towards this control mechanism. Yet, there are numerous cases of spreading of this deadly virus owing to violation of the governmental directives by masses in some areas or inadvertent and naively spread of this transmittable virus. On the directive of Federal Government, Pakistani military was assigned the responsibility to assist the civil administration in restricting the people’s movement for an effective clamp-down by the masses. Since March 25, 2020 military formations are out in the field to ensure maintenance of strict control over the movement of masses as per the decision of Government. The military formations and units are present everywhere in all provinces of Pakistan, AJK and GB with the sole purpose to ensure the health security of the people of Pakistan. Besides, the military hospitals are providing the necessary medical facilities to all civil population and the men in uniform are assisting the civil administration in the distribution of ration and other items needed by the masses. It is worth mentioning that the military has its heavy deployment along eastern border to safeguard against the traditional rival, India and on the western sector to secure Pak-Afghan border against the joint threat of Afghanistan and its Indian partner. Terrorism is yet another challenge, posed by enemies of Pakistan to destabilize the country internally and to create chaos. Despite this very heavy deployment and around-the-clock engagement to combat the menace of terrorism, the military has managed the duties in aid of civil power during the deadly Covid-19. The services, it is providing for controlling the Covid-19 are incomparable and with a lot of devotion. As per Army Chief, General Bajwa, “Nothing can defeat a responsible and determined nation. Pakistan Army being part of a national effort shall serve and protect the nation as a sacred duty.” While the military is committed to perform its sacred duty to contain the spread of Covid-19, there has been misreporting and defamation campaigns against this national institution. Owen Bennett Jones, a British journalist has written an article entitled, “Regional Politics”. It was published by Daily Dawn on Mar 31, 2020. The author has tried to mislead the readers, masses and international community by linking militancy with Pakistan and its military. Whereas, Pakistan has an unparalleled record of defeating terrorism, the author and the publisher (Dawn Group) were found wanting to question those benefited from 1980s Afghan war against the former Soviet Union. What is going on in India and India-Occupied Kashmir against Muslims at the hand of Indian State, its military and above all by RSS volunteers could neither attract the attention of this prejudiced journalist nor could the Dawn Group dare to highlight those. International media has reported with evidence that, there is an inalienable linkage of Indian state, its military and Indian terrorist outfits against minorities, especially the Muslims and that, India is responsible for the regional instability and in promoting terrorism. The contents of this write-up are highly objectionable and fallacious while the role of Dawn is totally influenced and intolerable. In the past, this newspaper and Owen Bennett Jones have been massively campaigning against the institution of Pak Army. The PEMRA and the Government must take a serious action against the author and the newspaper in particular. Besides, there has been massive disinformation campaign launched by PTM on social media and at other forums in connection with assassination of one of their activists Dr Sadiq Ullah. This ethnic outfit has been blaming the security forces on behest of its sponsors and financers mainly; the Indian and Afghan spying networks (RAW and NDS). Pakistani masses especially the brave Pashtun must be vigilant about such groups, their misleading campaigning and above all the ultimate beneficiary of such movements. Let’s the Pashtuns not being dictated and misled by these elements, who create hatred among the people of Pakistan based on ethnicity and parochialism. While the Pakistani masses highly appreciate the role of its military while tackling the challenges posed by natural calamities, combating terrorism, countering the hostile forces and their evil designs, they highly appreciate the splendid role of military during the ongoing campaign against Covid-19. There is welcoming news that Pakistani companies have started massive production of the personal protection equipment (PPEs) and surgical mask-N95, goggles or face shields, disposable gloves and disposable gowns. Hand sanitizers are being prepared in Pakistan in bulk. NDMA and NCC are working day and night to formulate the standard operating procedures to minimize the spread of Covid19 and reduce the human losses in Pakistan. In order to reduce the spread of coronavirus, the masses must follow the directive and laid-down procedures of the Government. On its part, the Government must have clarity to control the pandemic with a very clear national policy like; National Policy for ensuring Compulsory Vaccine Regime, adopting a flexible policy for gradual opening of industrial and business sectors in consultation with provinces. Besides, the Government must sponsor the local innovators to design new digital solutions to combat pandemic. Government must evaluate the economic sustainability versus non-stop lock-down, thus must have alternative strategy to make the people self-sufficient rather banking on Government funding. Ehsaas Programme must be synergized in coordination with provinces while ensuring transparency, accountability and free from political affiliations and influences. The owners of the mills and factories and other organizations and institutions must take care of their employees and daily wagers at this trying time. While converting the challenge posed by Covid-19 into an opportunity, let’s broaden the base of economic and employment opportunities from cartel-based strategy to people-centric approach. — The writer is Professor of Politics and IR at International Islamic University, Islamabad.