AS infection and death figures are rising alarmingly, Prime Minister Imran Khan has made dispassionate appeal to the people to maintain social distancing to prevent the spread of novel Coronavirus, warning that any laxity could lead to increase in viral disease in the days to come. At a media briefing along with relevant cabinet members and officials after chairing a meeting of the National Coordination Committee on Wednesday, he announced distribution of Rs12,000 four-month stipend among 12 million poor and daily wage earners through 17,000 points across the country. The NCC decided to open all airports of the country for PIA flights to bring back those Overseas Pakistanis who wanted to return to the country amid the global Covid-19 pandemic. The Government is, of course, trying to strike a balance between measures to stop further spread of the virus and the need to ensure continuation of at least bare minimum activities as part of its strategy to mitigate sufferings of the masses and minimize impact of the spread on the overall economy. It is because of this that the Prime Minister is sticking to his viewpoint that there should be no total lockdown but at the same time he is sensitizing people about possible worsening of the situation in coming weeks. The Prime Minister is banking upon voluntary cooperation of the citizens in coping with the situation and believes there should be no arrests of the violators of bans on social gatherings or imposition of Section-144. There are virtually no such restrictions in rural areas but the urban centres have to behave responsibly as the contagious disease spreads easily in densely populated areas. It is time each and every person responds positively to the appeal of the chief executive of the country as the measures being taken by him are also indicative of the possible deterioration in the overall situation. A Tiger Force is in the process of making and over eight hundred thousand youths have already registered themselves for the purpose while the Prime Minister is urging more and more people to join the force, which would be used to reach out to the locked-down localities and areas. Political controversy surrounding formation of the Tiger Force notwithstanding the body has the potential to streamline rescue and relief activities not just during the prevailing situation but could also serve as a reserve force to come into action in case of any emergency in future provided it is imparted properly devised training and consists of only those who are motivated by no other consideration but to serve the people in distress. The Government has also started disbursement of the country’s largest cash assistance programme and hopefully lump sum payment of Rs 12,000 would come as meaningful relief for the poor who are worst hit by lock-down conditions. Explaining details of the programme, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Dr Sania Nishtar, made it clear that it has been devised with due care and the cash grant would not be misused by opportunists and would reach to only really deserving people. The National Identity Card numbers being sent to the government through text messages on 8171 would pass through several stages so that the government can be sure that the applicants genuinely qualify for the programme. The decision to bring back stranded Pakistanis abroad is also appreciable as many of them were facing untold miseries during their stay in different countries in view of their financial conditions and local restrictions related to Coronavirus. The move also reflects increased ability and capacity of the country to screen and test greater number of incoming passengers. However, the decision to open Pak-Afghan border for three days a week is fraught with serious consequences as the number of daily movements is thousands and it is virtually beyond the capacity of Pakistan to ensure that everyone crossing the border is virus-free. We believe that the border should remain open for seven days a week but just for trading activities for which proper arrangements of screening and testing should be made or consignments should be re-loaded to local vehicles on both sides. The Federal Government is firm on its decision on opening of the construction sector from April 14 but, according to reports, Punjab is reluctant to do so as it would amount to resumption of most of the business activities. The issue should be sorted out including issuance of proper SOPs for all the businesses that would be given permission to open with fine and punishment for violations.
