Daily Times

Some countries feel they must now start getting some of their people back to work, even as they continue with their respective arrangements and measures of standard operating procedures (SOPs) of lockdowns, Pakistan being among them. Strategy being followed here is to ensure that the policy does not lead to deaths by hunger and starvation as a large number of our people lives in extreme poverty. Poverty in Pakistan is further expected to grow because of economic slowdown induced by the coronavirus. Lockdown can work only for a limited period. The longer you shut down the whole country to keep the virus from spreading and protecting more lives, the more you risk pushing more and more people into starvation. It is not possible to lockdown the way it is required, and opening up risks spreading the virus among workers who go back to work, what are options for the government?

According to a considered opinion of experts on the subject, a bare minimum number of people needed to get the economy restarted, at least, will have to venture out now. It will be necessary, however, keeping all people who are not needed for outside work firmly locked in. If people simply ignore rules, as they have been throughout the lockdown, and this irresponsible behavior compromises the attempt to restart the economy, it would simply be unforgivable. Some sources may not agree with this opinion it is up to them. But it is a matter of concern for us as a nation. Spread of virus must stop.

China imposed the largest and most draconian quarantine in history. Factories shut public transport stopped and people stayed indoors. With those steps aggressively enforced it was able to flatten the curve, and avoid millions of cases and tens of thousands of deaths. China thus stretched out the time, build hospitals, made them branded with new trained staff in an environment free of stresses and strains. The citizens fully cooperated with the government and showed resilience by staying indoors for weeks and months such stories are prescriptions of success to be followed wherever needed. Pakistan should learn from such cases and adopt for a way forward.

The citizens must self-isolate themselves to mitigate the speedy transmission of the virus. A strong and well planned and integrated healthcare system is the best weapon to fight with. Pakistan has to reinvigorate its healthcare system as per modern technology and methodology and management systems. The people on top, at the helm of affairs, must have necessary related perceptions and attitudes as well as behaviors to evolve a health culture in line with aspiration and need of the society.

Coronavirus is in the age of transition. The year of 2020 is a pivotal year in the struggle to define and shape the new world order.

Multi-polarity seems to be on the horizon for decades to come. Countries scared of manipulation and arm-twisting don’t look like they will be bullied around too easily anymore by any western power or excessive imperial interventionism, economic and political exploitation. Alternate knowledge systems and paradigms of development are going to emerge for equitable systems, care and empathy. Belief and hope in this context is growing strong to shatter and break monopolies without rationality.

Keeping in view the religious sentiment of the people attached with worship during the month of Ramadan the government has accepted the demands of clerics and lifted dialogue download mosques for the holy month. To ensure that The Corona virus pandemic does not spiral out of control, the government has introduced the 20-point plan that needs to be observed to keep mosques safe. Decisions having been made, it is not clear who will enforce the necessary measures within the premises.

There are several pertinent questions that need to be answered. The preceding lockdown saw resistant from administration around the country. Will they now cooperate with the authorities? Has anybody been assigned the task to ensure compliance? There are thousands of mosques in each province. How will the provincial government supervise each and every one of them to ensure that the 20-point is being followed? How will mandatory distancing of 6 feet be made possible when many more tend to be packed to capacity during Ramadan? will the most administration turn people away once capacity is reached? or will the authorities perform this un enviable task? and when they do, will the most administration corporate with them to persuade citizen?

Easing the lockdown threatens to undo all the good work so far to the credit of government

In fact none of this can be achieved without the full cooperation of clerics, who will need to work with the authorities. There is not denying the fact that the opening up mosques carries obvious risk. The health and safety of prayer goers, and prayer leaders, is a collective responsibility. It is also in the hand of the person themselves, as they are best placed to protect themselves and their fellow prayer goers by adhering strictly to the guidelines, and not treating them as an inconvenience. Easing the lockdown threatens to undo all the good work so far to the credit of government. The government must monitor the situation and not shy away from reviewing its decisions if found against the facts on ground. Nothing is more precious than human lives. Fight coronavirus, save humans and human values. Save yourself and others.

Because of coronavirus Pakistan is likely to miss all economic targets. The IMF in its latest report on Pakistan’s economic situation has noted that the budget would swell to Rs 4 trillion in the current fiscal year (FY20) after coronavirus situation against the early projection of Rs 3.2 trillion. The primary deficit is now expected to deteriorate to 2.9 percent of GDP in FY 2020 ( From 0.8 percent expected earlier ) due to a 1.8 percentage point decline in tax revenue relative to the pre-virus baseline and the needed higher spending to support the health response, social safety nets for the very poor and unemployed. The COVID-19 shock is likely to reverse the decline in public debt in recent months that was achieved through the authorities’ resolute fiscal consolidation efforts.

Prime Minister Imran Khan predicts hospitals will face pressure during May 15 to 25 due to increase in cases. The more number of tests, the greater the number of cases. If poverty rises, we will not win war against the pandemic, said the prime minister. This crisis will mainly impact the poor class. This is a challenge. If we came out of this (crisis) without, bringing more miseries to the poor, the ultimate impact will be on the whole economy and all the sectors of the society.

Life will not be the same as it was. Gatherings during Iftar and Sehr will not be allowed; people are to observe Aitakaf at home; president of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan says policy can be reviewed if there is a sharp spike in cases; floor of the mosques will be washed with chlorine added water.

A 20-point agenda is to be strictly followed. Government is also advised to review policies if there are difficulties in implementation as per the prescribed protocol and the standard operating procedures (S.O.P). The Spirit of cooperation and consultations is essential to maintain to prevent any situations of conflict. Peace is essential especially in view of the Holy month of Ramadan and the crisis caused by COVID-19.

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