Stop panic buying

For Pakistan — an under-developed country facing multiple problems on the fronts of economics, politics and security — the deadly coronavirus is a formidable opponent. Nearly 25% of the country’s population lives below the national poverty line while a further 39% are poor, living in deplorable conditions. The local healthcare system of the country is in shambles and expectations lie with private hospitals that mostly cater to the rich. While the government scrambles for testing kits and PPE, frontline doctors are risking their lives to save people. Sindh is under a strict lockdown and the cases across the country are steadily increasing. The government is working tirelessly to make sure the situation doesn’t escalate. Let’s be clear; this pandemic is nothing short of a war. And in such situations, everyone has a role to play.

In anticipation of the deteriorating situation, the people of Karachi have started to stock up food supplies which caused the demand for food items to suddenly surge by 7% this week. Half the population is vulnerable to the virus and if such people cannot afford basic necessities during the lockdown it will wreak havoc in the city. It is our responsibility to be patient in this time of crisis. According to Anis Majeed, patron-in-chief of the Karachi Wholesale Grocers Association, “Food supply is in abundance” and “truckloads of food are being sent constantly — so no need to panic”. The government has insured an “integrated full spectrum response” and is making decisions accordingly.

Trust and unity are the need of the hour and the last thing that citizens want to do is become an obstacle for authorities and frontline workers through panic buying. The regulation and circulation of basic necessities to all citizens is necessary in order to achieve a successful lockdown. Remember, the virus does not discriminate. The most important thing right now is to control the spread till the graph flattens.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 30^th, 2020.

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