Arsalan Khan
21 century begun with waging of war against terror while global debates were and are: economy, climatic change and population, etc. It was no longer that COVID-19 accompanied these old debates and even changed priorities and planning of nations. All other debates are being stopped and covid-19 is on the first agenda.
Every nation is looking to it as per their capacity, resources and protocol of pandemic. Nations are engaged within their territories rather than beyond boundaries. More discussion of the future of world politics from Chinese bloc to American or reshaping of world orders are theories and time will prove all. Now, like all other nations, Pakistan is confronting this pandemic and the only focus should be a way out. Observing and analysing public awareness, response, resources, religious sensitivities and effectiveness are the things those we have to deal rather than indulgence in valueless theories and wait of miracles.
Government in starting days was unprepared and unaware of global spreading of this pandemic; that is now forgone story. Now, axe is hanging over their heads. Government is badly stuck between the vulnerability of economy, and poverty and effective protocol required for pandemic. Neither they abandon option of lock down, fully, nor they can ignore the fragile status of economy and people below the middle class. Government is extending lock down from one to another with the name of general and smart lock downs.
Public response and interest are distracting because of uncleared policies by government and confusion created by few religious orthodox against very balanced and rational approach of here and international scholars. Doctors and paramedics are on the ground and fighting for enduring safety and happiness of all. As per statistics of federal health authorities till April 21,2020, 232 doctors and health care workers are diagnosed with covid-19, positive. They all are frontline warriors, and poor PPEs or unavailability owed to these cases.
The bureaucracy is too striving hard across the country with full zeal, but conundrum from government top executives keep them in the middle of two distinct paths.
If government is confused and not clear about a single, clear and bold option then pandemic will cost all along with interest in the long run. The ways they have followed in initial days of non-serious lock down contributed to subsequent extensions. Plan and program with government from top to bottom are irrational. In such a situation, figures are increasing of patients while strategy is not accomplishing targets. In the light of this government extends lock down. Neither plan and strategy of lock down is effective, nor it will support economy or poor class if God forbids it brings figures same as predicted by WHO officials.
So, it is imperative to deal with it once for all and combat pandemic effectively rather than going for blurred exercises. Hence, a broad, sophisticated and bold plan should be made from top government elite after taking confidence of these front-line fighters and all relevant agencies. A clear message would in the same way communicate from top to bottom and all relevant people would boldly work with no fear of confusion and contradiction.
As from different areas of country voices are raising by doctors and paramedics regarding vulnerability of our resources and system and the loose behaviors of government toward pandemic. So, it is need of time to fully assist these frontline warriors with strict policies for public. There is no such treatment and vaccinations, which could end this unrest fully. The only way we have in hands is social distancing. In such a situation this is far most duty of government to make it sure on ground. More in this mandatory step is announcing handsome packages for these soldiers who are fighting,ignoring their personal lives and families and for victims in the line of duty. The experiences should be a lesson and reason for a bold move. But people below middle class needs to be fully compensated in provision of different packages and alternatives.
The hierarchy of bureaucracy from top to district administrations should get a reliable environment from irrational political interferences; particularly from government representatives. DCs, ACs, Tahsildars and police should not be refrained from their professional duties for the sake of few votes or political appeasement. It is now emergency and the normal ill practices which weaken our system must be avoided at least now.
People serving as medical care workers, in police and administration are more exposed to pandemic and challenges; they are serving on front line. The policy should be made from top political executive, but all enforcement agencies and actors at grass level should have freedom in exercising their power and energies within their jurisdictions. They should have PPEs and all resources , required for combating this battle.
The role of political forces, social workers, civil society and media is to reach needy people, inform concerned authorities from any ignorance and to add their services in due process and mechanism rather than any limited political motives. Political forces whether on government seats or opposition have a prime responsibility to play their role in creating mass awareness through media, social media and policy guidelines. They all are opinion makers and same a mass awareness can also be created.
Their every activity should be supportive to due process of containment of pandemic and relief operations. Since very long, this nation is witnessing the bad results of religious misinterpretation; a well- balanced approach has been presented by scholars here and outside the country.
Along with other forces, this issue too requires a a more vibrant, vigorous and clear campaign to back this combating struggle across the country and reach to destiny. Coming to public opinion, response and care status; they are majority either unaware or fighting against hunger and even if some were following quarantine protocols; they gave up because of confused actions of government.
So, all these will get an organize way by empowering medical care workers with financial, technical and moral support; bureaucracy with independency; political maturity and active and positive response of public. All initiatives and steps are suggested for minimizing adverse effects of situation and public safety is the main aim in all process.
Hence these all agencies will play their role and alter their ways as per results but actions, response and participation of general population will decide. Above mediums will only provide a way for effective combating; intensity of good and bad are up to masses and us.. So be aware for sake of your and family health and collectively as a responsible member of nation.
Twitter: 001Arsalan
