Stricter SOPs, more lockdowns amid politics galore

As the Sindh government moves towards expanding and tightening lockdown restrictions in Karachi, against the backdrop of the persistently rising Covid- 19 tally, political activities - usually involving large public gatherings – continue unhindered in the province.

The preparation for a rally on former prime minister Benazir Bhutto’s death anniversary, for instance, is in full swing.

Lockdowns and restrictions

On Thursday, the Sindh government issued a notification, announcing the closure of seminaries across the province, keeping in viewing the surging Covid- 19 caseload.

According to the notification, the auqaf and religious affairs secretary, as well as commissioners and deputy commissioners, have also been authorised to take action against persons violation Sindh government orders, issued in connection with the pandemic.

The move to close seminaries, in particular, has met with criticism from different quarters.

Reacting to the decision, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam- Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman remarked, “Not a single Covid-19 case has been reported from any madrassa in Pakistan. Why then the Sindh government has suspended educational activities in seminaries?”

Speaking to media persons in Karachi, he said, “Though religious scholars had held a meeting with Sindh government officials, the decision to suspend educational activities at seminaries seems to a unilateral one.”

However, he added, a formal response to the move will be issued by the representatives of Wafaqul Madaris - an association of seminaries.

On the other hand, an official of the home department explained to The Express Tribune, “The decision has been taken considering the alarming Covid-19 situation in the province, where 33 more [coronavirus-related] deaths and 1,374 more infections were reported today [Thursday].”

Meanwhile, the provincial government extended micro lockdowns to more areas in West District.

As per the new orders, Gulshan-e-Maymar, Bakra Perhi, KDA’s sector six, Shah Waliullah Nagar, Saleemabad’s Sectors 11 and 12 and other areas in the district are to undergo micro lockdowns for a period of two weeks, from today (Friday) to December 31.

Earlier on Wednesday, micro smart lockdowns were imposed in virus hotspots in 11 UCs of Central district.

A notification issued late on Wednesday night stated that the lockdowns would be enforced from 7pm today on Thursday and would remain effective until December 31, 2020.

The notification stated that only grocery shops and pharmacies should be allowed to operate in areas under the lockdown and no home delivery or takeaway from any restaurant was to be permitted. Restrictions have also been placed on private gatherings at homes and pillion riding has been banned.

But (political) shows must go on

Meanwhile, political enthusiasm thrives with political activities continuing unabated.

A prime example of this is the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) gearing up to take out a rally in Garhi Khuda Bux to pay homage to Benazir Bhutto on the eve of her 13th death anniversary, on December 27.

Party leaders and workers from across the country, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Balstistan, are expected to throng Garhi Khuda Bux on the occasion.

While many point out that following coronavirus related standard operating procedures (SOPs) is near impossible for participants and organisers alike at such events, PPP leaders see it as an opportunity to flex muscles and showcase their strength.

One of them, who requested anonymity, said, “It will be a big show to which the leadership of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), including Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s Maryam Nawaz, has also been invited.” He added that all district and divisional heads of the party, as well as MNAs and MPAs, have been asked to gather and bring people from their constituencies to participate in the rally.

“The death anniversary may even turn out to be a PDM event, where leaders will focus on criticizing the incumbent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led federal government.”

Separately, PPP leader Nisar Khuhro said the rally would be the “final nail in the coffin of [Prime Minister] Imran Khan’s government.”

Addressing a press conference, he remarked, “The PTI is a virus more dangerous than the coronavirus. Confirming that the PDM leadership would be participating in the rally, he opined that federal ministers had been directing criticism towards the gathering under the guise of the pandemic because “they are scared of the PDM’s gathering.”

Khuhro further stated that central executive committee of the PPP was likely to take important decisions at the upcoming event, to strengthen the PDM and send the PTI packing.

He also assured that all SOPs would be observed during the rally.

Slamming the PPP on going ahead with the plans for the rally, PTI’s parliamentary leader in the Sindh Assembly Haleem Adil Shaikh, said, “On one hand, people are facing the threat of the coronavirus, and on the other, people from various districts of Sindh are being gathered in Larkana.”

“While the PPP issues instructions pertaining to the imposition of lockdowns, it is also found busy in organizing gatherings,” the leader remarked, pointing out the irony of the situation.