ISLAMABAD: Until humanity finds a vaccine, social distancing seems to be the only weapon we have against the mortal coronavirus. Even though the economy is in critical state, human life should trump everything else.
Disciplined and responsible nations have achieved success in stifling the spread of the virus. However, the governments alone can’t make this happen. It only works if people also show some civic sense and follow the necessary protocols. Even though the government, under immense pressure businessmen, went ahead with the decision to ease the lockdown during Eid, the citizens contravened social distancing protocols and incessantly thronged marketplaces as if there would be no tomorrow. Thousands of nescient citizens put themselves, and others, at risk in order to luxuriously shop for themselves before the Eid holiday.
Why not donate money to the poor and needy who are being crushed under the weight of an ailing economy and a biological catastrophe? The government alone will never be successful in mitigating the virus, and every citizen must play his part and become more conscientious by following the restrictive measures enforced by the government. Similarly, politicians should also stop bickering just to gain political mileage from this situation. Everyone needs to work together and collectively ensure that we not only curb the spread of the virus but also uphold the value of human life.
Raja Shafaatullah
Published in The Express Tribune, June 1st, 2020.
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