The government has launched multi-pronged effort to combat COVID-19 but policy level decisions be implemented on priority to have visible dividends. Disjointed efforts may lead to paralysis at execution level. National Policy for ensuring Compulsory Vaccine Regime on its discovery must be adopted. A flexible policy for gradual opening of industrial / business sector be ensured in synchronization with Provinces. The sponsoring domestic innovators to design new digital solutions to combat pandemic is the need of the hour. A centralized online management software linked with private / government hospitals should be made operational at NCOC for real time forecasting of available and demanded medical supplies. Economic sustainability versus prolonged lockdown model needs due deliberation. Inaccurate analysis may lead to stagnation and economic paralysis.
There is a dire need for the perception management strategy to be formulated and implemented to deny panic and hysteria amongst populace. In this context, Ehsaas Programme must be synergized in coordination with provinces while due accountability must be ensured. Audit through an independent firm may be ensured.
Special financial assistance must be extended to women workers especially vulnerable single mothers/widows through fusion of existing database and input received through Provincial/District Administration. State Bank of Pakistan needs to devise mechanism to avoid public crowding at Banks especially during peak days. Federal Government must request UNHCR for financial assistance of Afghan Refugees to merge them in Ehsaas Emergency Cash Programme on Humanitarian basis.
Mafioso and beggars are undermining the government’s efforts in providing relief to the people. Prominent beggar groups and their sponsors are working together and registering themselves as labourers and daily wagers
Capacity enhancement of COVID testing capability must be ensured centrally by merger of all existing healthcare infrastructures. Zero tolerance policy must be adopted by Federal/Provincial Governments to ensure biosafety precautions and Infectious Waste Management Disposal protocols in Hospitals/Quarantine/Isolation centers. Government may consider activating village committee for active awareness campaigns in remote areas.
Daily wagers working in factories of Karachi are being neglected by multibillionaires employers who accumulate a lot due to these poor workers. But at this time of trial, they are not being taken care of. Concrete steps are required to protect the interests of low paid employees of these factories. Efforts of Government and its institutions such as NCC & NDMA in delivering the PPEs country wide must be appreciated. Delay in delivery at Quetta was subsidized by deploying C-130 transport aircraft of PAF. Recovery and transportation of quarantined people safely to their homes is being very well managed by Government. Indigenous efforts like PakVent and conversion of water bowsers into mobile sanitization Units, installation of sanitization gates and tunnels at public places & hospitals are also a welcome innovation.
While the government is engaged actively in combating the deadly pandemic, some elements are hellbent upon sabotaging the effort. Propaganda campaign has been launched by PTM on social media and at other forums in connection with assassination of one of their activist Dr Sadiq Ullah by blaming LEAs of Pakistan. Hostile Intelligence Agencies like the Afghan NDS are working since long to create hatred between people of Pakistan and authorities in which they have never been successful by the grace of God.
PTM is trying to undermine government’s efforts by carrying out negative propaganda in a concerted effort. MNA Ali Wazir announced that, shifting of COVID-19 affected individuals to DIK and Chaman (Balochistan) is a conspiracy against Pashtuns. Ali Wazir planned to join protest at DIK against shifting of quarantine center to DIK. The disgruntled PTM MNA Ali Wazir further tried to tarnish Pakistan Army’s image by stating that Army wants to earn Dollars over declaring campaign against COVID-19 outbreak.
Simultaneously, PTM MPA Mir Kalam Wazir lamented about lack of facilities in NWTD (North Waziristan Tribal Districts). Another dissident, MNA Mohsin Dawar continued his tirade to undermine the efforts of the provincial government by criticizing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government for establishing quarantine centers in educational institutions.
Simultaneously, mafioso and beggars are undermining the government’s efforts in providing relief to the people. Prominent beggar groups and their sponsors are working together and registering themselves as labourers and daily wagers. Government is relying primarily on welfare organizations for distribution of goods to poor households during managed lockdowns. In many cases, beggars have been seen selling supplies to private markets and traders are hoarding such supplies and selling them at higher prices. The government needs to investigate such issues immediately, otherwise relief efforts would go in vain.
In the backdrop of the calamity of COVID-19, Imran Khan’s government deserves kudos for making the FIA report on the sugar and wheat crisis public, exposing the hidden mafia behind the crisis. Despite this sincere effort, some quarters have started criticizing the Prime Minister for having connections with corrupt people.
The Government needs to evolve a National Action Plan to combat the outbreak and ensure that all efforts to alleviate the suffering of the people due to the outbreak are focused and result oriented. Concurrently it has to be mindful of saboteurs and vandals trying to place impediments in the government efforts to combat COVID-19.
The writer is a retired Group Captain of PAF. He is a columnist, analyst and TV talk show host, who has authored six books on current affairs, including three on China