Time for compassion and unity

The majority of Pakistani citizens are facing an unfortunate situation that needs no elaboration. In broad terms, it is a lethal combination of natural and self-inflicted causes. A decimated economy is squeezing the poor to their limits and political infighting has exposed the fragility of our democratic structure and weakened our resolve to tackle problems. As though the adverse effects of an inimical neighbourhood, climatic changes, population explosion had not only overburdened our people, it is now the scourge of Covid-19 that is looming large placing the country on an undetermined course.

Along with it the invasion of locusts that threatens to wipe off over 50% of our agricultural products with serious consequences for the farmers.

It is not unusual for developing countries to face multiple challenges. But many leaders through astute policies have minimised their adverse impact and even come out of it. Clearly, most, if not all of these challenges could be overcome provided there is able leadership with a long-term vision pursuing sustained policies that gel into a more unified polity. On the contrary, a divisive leadership, with a populist agenda and ignorant of the far-reaching implications of the nature of these multiple threats, can and will land the country into a dangerous irretrievable blind alley. And regrettably, we inadvertently or callously seem to be set on that course.

The Prime Minister forcefully claims that he is the champion of the poor and anyone differing from his policy of the so-called smart lockdown is only representing the interests of the elite. Unfortunately, this assumption is not correct and could be misunderstood. Clearly, the current policy is hitting the poor hard along with all tiers of society and is costing the nation immeasurably.

Moreover, the people expected that in these difficult times leaders would talk of a shared future and not make statements and pursue policies that breed divisions weakening an already fragile state and a fractured society.

In sharp contrast, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, has set exemplary standards of governance and conduct. She has rejected authoritarian form of governance and set standards of morality and good governance that other countries need to emulate. Of course, her admirable responses could be brushed aside by detractors by stating that New Zealand is a thinly populated country and geographically advantaged. These arguments will not take away her unique responses, which shows a mirror to other leaders to follow. And reinforces the point that the rise of authoritarian and self-centred leaders is only leading their countries into the wide spread of Covid-19, greater poverty and societal chaos. Our country’s present state is a reflection of this unfolding scenario. What is alarming in the fact that several hospitals have no beds to receive any coronavirus patients.

In times of Covid-19, when Pakistani society is bitterly fractured, the government is deliberately widening the fractures by opening up multiple cases against top opposition leaders. PTI leaders are constantly vowing to crack down on their opposition counterparts. Irrespective of the merits of these cases of misappropriation the fact that these are being brought up decades later at a time when the country is already heavily burdened with innumerable challenges, defies logic. These legal cases could have waited a few months even if there was some life in them so as not to lose focus on dealing with the life-threatening pandemic. Similarly, the sugar commission report has acquired a prominence relegating the focus on the pandemic. As though these were not enough distractions a bombshell was dropped by US blogger Cynthia Ritchie who came to Pakistan with a litany of accusations against PPP stalwarts with more to follow.

Moreover, the very discourse on the pandemic instead of healing the nation has grievously wounded and widened the fractures. Its most damaging aspect is the constant hammering that the PTI is the pious and honest party and the opposition is totally corrupt.

The most damaging fallout of these divisive policies is the growing alienation between the federal government and Sindh. Not a day passes when the federal government ministers do not pass derogatory remarks on the person or performance of the Chief Minister or Bilawal Bhutto. Irrespective of where things stood in the past there is no doubt that there is greater clarity and better direction in the Sindh government’s handling of Covid-19. They seem to demonstrate a more mature understanding of the reasons for the spread of the virus. However, the provincial leadership’s hands are largely tied, as they have to fall in line with the rest of the country in which the PTI has the final say.

The political confrontation has seriously impacted the functioning of parliament, further weakening our democracy with long-term consequences. Disparaging remarks by spokespersons — whether a part of a calculated scheme, or impromptu — do hurt the country’s image and interests. These also lower the standing of politicians in the eyes of the public and provide greater space for state institutions to fill the power vacuum.

The government’s lax policy in preventing the spread of Covid-19 was meant to open up economic opportunities for the poor. While over the week Pakistan crossed the 100,000 mark in pandemic cases, unemployment figures too were continuously on the rise. This is a clear indication that the government needs to reassess its priorities and bring in greater clarity to win the confidence of the people.

Projections are that the upward trend will continue for another month or two. In light of this authentic projection to which even the PM has also alluded a stricter regime, a more cooperative approach between the federation and Sindh would also be necessary.

Something glaringly missing in the PM’s remarks, tweets and speeches is the lack of recognition of the heroic effort that doctors, nurses and the medical staff are making. His thinking may be diametrically opposite to their advice, yet they deserve the nation’s gratitude.

The need of the hour is for the political leadership to shun divisive policies, soften their bellicose rhetoric and focus on the real threats.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 10^th, 2020.

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