Daily Times

An updated review of the spread and prevention of COVID-19 is essential for effectively managing the crisis that is disastrous for the world population and the economy. New behavior patterns are required to make new adjustments and the need for a balance in approaches and strategies that depend on sound policies for a way forward. The media has to play a positive role in this crisis, removing possible confusions and exaggerated reports and fake news. The people need to be reassured of all the steps that the government is taking, medical and other support available when needed and the sources and institutions that are in place to meet all challenges. Cooperation and coordination at the right time is the strength of leadership capable of making best use of available resources in spite of restraints and limitation of capacity and potential for achievement of desired results. Pakistan is fighting the coronavirus war with the best preventive measures and medical treatment. We must stand united to help save our people with hope, belief and determination, we shall win. We need to engage in this venture at all cost to protect people against the global pandemic and a deadly disease.

Success is linked to wisdom and vision; timely action, effective clarity and coordination, and most importantly, the understanding and cooperative behaviors of the people themselves.

In Pakistan, the role of armed forces in warding off the pandemic will be crucial. In the ultimate analysis, the coronavirus war is collective responsibility and our united stand. It needs professional advice and approach.

Agriculture should not be neglected as this sector can help meet challenges and produce an exportable surplus

Pakistani’s reliance on self-imposed protective measures must be far more than in the developed world. Effective containment allowing the virus to fade away appears to be the most cost-effective method. It thus becomes a people’s war backed by the government and its armed forces. Responsiveness and professionalism has to be total and committed fully to safeguard the entry points and exits. Economic managers have yet to understand the gravity of the situation. The double-digit discount and interest rates of the State Bank of Pakistan indicate there are no economic variants in offing. Economic experts have not had time for ‘in-house discussions’. The question thus is how could an already depressed economy with IMF-centered policies cope with the challenges that confront Pakistan? Simply, they cannot; somehow, we need to allocate funds in the war against Corona.

Priorities need to be re-fixed. Agriculture should not be neglected. This sector, with due attention, can help meet the challenges and produce an exportable surplus. The government has to go after and get rid of blood sucking cartels of sugar, fertilizers and agro-chemical mafia. If this is done with good intentions, Pakistan may achieve positive growth rate despite the pandemic. The quest for survival amidst an emergency can stir imagination, creativity and entrepreneurship. Let the tempest bring out the best in people. One more thing, the FBR should adopt positive measures to help and support small businesses and petty traders. The government should liberate the economy in the current crisis to do good to the country and its people who wish to contribute to national growth and sustainable development.

With the Coronavirus making its way to Punjab province of Pakistan, the government is now using all means possible to educate the people and also ensure that there is no mass hysteria guiding the actions of the people at such a critical period and grim time in the country.

A “medical plan of action” under the Surgeon General of Pakistan Army will help support government efforts to fight the disease. After the meeting of high-powered National Coordination Committee, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Saturday, directed for stepping up the army’s assistance to civil administration for containment of COVID-19. The army chief underscored that protecting oneself is the foundation for the nation’s collective protection against the virus. He urged the nation to be responsible and take every precautionary measure to curb the spread of the virus. He stressed the need to follow medical guidelines.

It was advisable for Pakistan to suspend international flights for two weeks. The Punjab government has shuts shopping malls, markets, restaurants for two days as a precautionary measure. However, pharmacies, petrol pumps, grocery, vegetable, fruit and milk shops will remain open.

With new infections, Pakistan coronavirus cases surged to 1,000. Sindh COVID-19 confirmed cases on March 21 were 396. The Sindh government has decided total lockdown and is calling Army to help civil administration. Keeping people in their homes was of vital significance. The disease/virus must be contained effectively to prevent its spreading. Thank God deaths are 3-only. The situation will improve if people follow instructions and stay home, taking all necessary precautions.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Imran Khan was not sure if complete lockdown was appropriate to tackle coronavirus. The Punjab government has now decided to go for lockdown from March 24 for 14 days.

It is time for reflection, for a realization of truth. “Despite the carefully constructed veneer of invincibility, we are a people that are only ever one disease away from falling apart.” We need to rethink of our attitudes and behaviors, think of our individual and collective lives. Young people, who think they are immune to coronavirus, please know a 36-year-old patient died in the KP, one of the first deaths due to COVID-19 in Pakistan. Things you can do while staying at home is to spread awareness via internet. Think of usefulness of self-discipline in the CORONA WAR.

The writer is former Director National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) Government of Pakistan, a political analyst, a public policy expert, and a published author. His book post 9/11 Pakistan was published in the United States. His book Existential Question for Pakistan was recently launched and highly recommended as a must read for everyone