Daily Times

From the hustle and bustle to the sounds of silence

From the pomp and boom to the mundane and gloom

The pandemic has brought the world to a grinding halt

Yet it provides us a moment for reflection and thought

While people perished from war and hunger

We hardly moved, often remained in slumber

Oppression, killings, death and destruction

Nothing evoked morality, no fear no compassion

As the rich got richer, we saw the poor suffer and subside

Disparity thrived, not much was done to bridge the divide

We imperiled the environment, and exploited the nature

Selfishness and greed blinded us even to our kids’ future

International rule of law was trampled, with disdain and impunity

Double standards saw human rights violated, sans accountability

Blockade of Gaza to lockdown in Kashmir, nothing put them to shame

Economic interests or politics, their principles were just not the same

In the absence of justice, peace and security cannot be durable

Without equality, development and prosperity will be unsustainable

Humanity and empathy are values we essentially need to survive

Cooperation, understanding and solidarity we should by all means revive

Moving forward, we must ensure, a global order, more just and equitable

Devoid of duplicity and hypocrisy; inclusive, transparent and accountable

A system that assures equal security for all, and arrests democracy’s free fall

Truly representative, it would promote shared prosperity, and win-win for all.

Average 12 percent rise in Corona virus cases is a matter of concern, warned the top health officials in Pakistan. the number of confirmed cases in the country has increased to 2071 and 178 were reported in the last 24 hours. The number of cases in Punjab was 740, followed by Sindh 676, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) 253, Gilgit Baltistan 184, Islamabad capital territory 54 and Azad Jammu and Kashmir had 6 confirmed cases.

Our behaviour and attitudes matter significantly and make a difference – our failures happen due to our national inability to identify a crisis, adopt sensible mindsets to prioritise objectivity and unity over rhetoric and aimlessness

The ratio of positive cases amongst the suspected cases in Quarantine centres has Fallen. 8893 suspects have been in Quarantine and only 19% of them are positive with the virus which is a positive development. 82 patients who had tested positive for virus have recovered and discharged.

Safety measures advised by health authorities have to be observed strictly. Following the existing trend 6th National coordination committee (NCC) on covid-19 decided to continue and implement the restrictions for two more weeks with more efficient enforcement. “it will help in decreasing the covid-19 trend”, said special assistant to prime minister on health, Dr. Zafar Mirza.

In the face of covid-19, and crisis after crisis negatively badly affecting Pakistan’s economy and society, the political opposition parties have to play responsibly to build bridges of songs and contribute to help solve problems and technical issues realistically. It is not the time for politics of head and revenge.

For a country emerging out of terrorism shroud the stage was set for a potential economic and geopolitical recovery. There is no denying that the spread of covid-19 with the financial costs of protecting 200 plus million citizens will dent National interests. Yet there are factors Independent of the virus which intrinsically hurt any efforts to mitigate the devastation.

The role of the government and opposition parties is required to bring confidence to the already confused and shattered people. They need guidance. Leaders need to lead, specially in times of crisis. Leaders have to communicate effectively and lead from the front. If they don’t act in time of need they would disappoint the people. And remember, the people will and can disappoint them in the next elections. Leaders thus have to have clear understanding of the role of the elite and the electorate. They also need to comprehend the importance of the “rule of the situation”, specially in a crisis.

We need to remember that causes of our poverty and backwardness or more specifically underdevelopment are much more than economy and weak institutions. Our behaviour and attitudes matter significantly and make a difference – our failures happen due to our national inability to identify a crisis, adopt sensible mindsets to prioritise objectivity and unity over rhetoric and aimlessness. Some individuals and groups act against need of the time. They forget their responsibility. Instead of serving the people they engage in selfish interests and exploitation. Faith and empathy and giving to the needy should be the defining features of Pakistan’s approach in combatting the pandemic such as COVID-19.

In their simplicity and ignorance people engage in conspiracy theories and thus try to divert attention from the real issues. We need to have faith in Institutions and officials appointed for our safety and security. Health is wealth we all know but how many of us really care for our own health and safety and that of others.

In this unusual time with the Pandemic, we should all reflect on the basic issues in life and what the good life really is. Hope and faith are essential tools that help us get out of difficult situations.

Institutions and infrastructure should be made functional with the best of our ability and capacity to seek desired goals and objectives. We have to fight against COVID-19 the same way we had fought against terrorism. So, fight don’t panic.

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.