BY SHAMS ABBAS
The Coronavirus pandemic is not an ordinary crisis. Its impact will be felt for years to come.
The situation must be managed efficiently and promptly before hunger sets in and people resort to violence. A law and order situation must be preempted. If people come to the streets, it will be impossible to control the situation.
The relief task is enormous. Lockdown will have adverse effects on the economy. The entire world is affected and most economies are interdependent.
USA is expecting more than 6 million in the unemployment statistics. Similar is the situation in other countries.
As a consequence, Pakistan will also be having large scale unemployment. Providing help to this expected huge population will cannot be handled by the Government alone.
There should be realistic expectations from the government and we should keep in mind the resources of the country.
Imran khan is fearing a law and order situation if there is a total curfew and all activities are halted.
The Government has moved very carefully and sensibly in the enforcement of restrictions. A National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) has been established headed by Asad Omar.
The recommendations of NCOC are put up to the National Command Council headed by PM Imran Khan. The Provinces are represented in the NCOC.
This will facilitate coordination and cooperation with the Provinces. It is hoped that all stakeholders will be on the same page and share the difficulties and suggestions.
To revive the economy Prime Minister Khan has announced much needed incentives for the construction industry. The country cannot absorb large scale unemployment.
Most of the Labour class is unregistered. It will not be easy to reach them through on line registration and EHSAAS Program.
The citizens of Pakistan have to be compassionate and kind .They have to supplement and augment the efforts for hunger and poverty alleviation.
The charity and magnanimity of citizens will travel from Top to bottom. The Corona Tigers will visit different parts of the country and assess the needs and wants of people.
Feedback to the Prime Minister and NCOC will be provided for appropriate relief where most needed and requested. NCOC will collate and consolidate the information for decision making.
More than 800,000 volunteers have applied through PM Portal for joining Corona Tigers. A similar scheme of volunteers has been launched by UK.
Transparency will be ensured. No relief will be given in kind. Cash transfers are planned to be made to the needy in their account. Tiger force in coordination with the Unions and Tehsil councils will help in identifying the deserving.
Maximum use is being made of Digital Pakistan and PM Portal. The concept seems to be well thought out and hopefully should help in alleviation of suffering and reaching the marginalized.
(Publishing of this post is part of TNT’s citizen journalism initiative)
Please Read: TNT’s Citizen Journalism Initiative for Students and Amateur Writers
