Covid-19 and unity

Letter May 22, 2020
It is about time everyone realised that this is not the time for political blame games

KARACHI: Pakistan, with its ailing economy and poor management, has failed to effectively contain the spread of Covid-19. The sheer ignorance of citizens coupled with the lack of unity among the federal and provincial governments has created much hinderance towards the lockdown process.

From the very beginning, the local governments started a ridiculous blame game that not only politicised the whole situation but also divided the people into those who favoured the lockdown and those who were staunchly against it. Instead of adopting a unitary policy to control the spread of the virus, governments were busy in trying to prove that one was working more effectively than the other because of which the main objective of curbing the spread was lost. Soon people took to social media platforms in order to choose sides and voice out their baseless opinions, while traders, businessmen and industrialists pressurised the government by constantly nagging them to ease restriction measures so that large-scale industries resume operations for economic prosperity.

On the other hand, daily wagers and labourers are still seen wandering the streets for work days before the Eid holidays and humanitarian organisations are constantly trying their best to provide donations and charities to those in need.

It is about time everyone realised that this is not the time for political blame games. It is essential to create a common ground by designing a uniform policy to control this infectious threat. All institutions must work in tandem with each other and embody a supportive approach. It is important to pursue the national interest rather than securing personal agendas in this time of chaos and disorder.

Saeed Ahmed

Published in The Express Tribune, May 22nd, 2020.

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