Maintain distance

This refers to the letter 'The China Model' (March 29) by Akbar Jan Marwat. The PTI government should heed the suggestion of the writer by choosing the lesser evil of loss of life over loss of livelihood. However, the loss of livelihood could be minimized by limiting the movement of people for very basic needs such as for goods transportation, healthcare staff, technicians of the telecommunication sector, bank staff, and the staff of grocery and pharmacy shops.

In our culture, one may face social boycott if one does not join a funeral or if one avoids visiting a hospitalized acquaintance. The government and people have to fight jointly to meet this serious threat to the lives of the people of Pakistan.

Dr Najeeb A Khan

Islamabad