Govt played its role, now is citizens’ turn

Pakistan, being a developing country with a huge burden of foreign debts amounting to over $105 billion, is currently fighting a treacherous enemy. It is such an enemy that even highly developed countries, equipped with the latest modern technologies and advanced scientific and health knowledge, seem to be proving a failure in the face of it.

During a short span of time, COVID-19 has almost engulfed the entire globe. It is not distinguishing between the rich and the poor, Black or White, East or West, Muslim or non-Muslim and developed or developing countries. It has been indiscriminate in nature and is affecting and killing people of all ages. Till writing of the write-up, nearly 225,000 people have died from the dangerous virus and more than 3.2 million are under treatment the world over. It has also exposed the helplessness of both the developing and the developed countries across the globe.

Coronavirus is severely hitting those countries whose people are careless. As far as Pakistan is concerned, it has been moving forward in a mature manner and is adopting all measures which need to be taken as per the WHO standards. It is the most difficult time for a developing country like Pakistan to go on with meagre resources despite being under severe pressure from the unexpected and shapeless crisis.

During the crisis, a nation cannot be kept in dark and one cannot go further even a single inch after telling a lie to the nation. What Prime Minister Imran Khan did was the need of the hour and he rightly unfolded the actual situation of coronavirus in Pakistan and took the nation into confidence, seeking citizens’ support in his speeches to the nation. Federal, provincial governments and local administrations have been working in praiseworthy manner and whatever steps are being taken at federal or provincial levels, are implemented in letter and spirit by the district administrations to cope with the pandemic.

For example, the Lahore district administration started preparations for coronavirus in month of January 2020 on the direction of the Punjab government, soon after it broke out in China. However, these steps were not highlighted in the media as the government did not want to create fears among citizens.

The Lahore administration held meetings with tour operators and took list of the pilgrims who were abroad at that time. Special desks were set up at Lahore Airport and Wahga boarder to conduct screening of every citizen returning to the country. All this was done in the last week of January while in February, the situation was under control and no case of coronavirus was reported.

While keeping in mind its imminent entering to Lahore, the district administration started chlorination spray in the entire city, mostly on the places which are visited by citizens in large numbers, under the supervision of the Lahore commissioner and deputy commissioner. The process is still continuing and until now more than 2,000 spots including major roads, hospitals, offices and public places have been chlorinated.

The next problem which the district administration was expecting to face was establishment of quarantine centres where corona patients were to be kept. Three state-of-the-art quarantine centres and one 200-bed field hospital were set up in Kala Shah Kaku, just 18-km northwest from district Lahore, within three days where 1,200 corona suspected persons can be quarantined.

Similarly, a 1,000-bed field hospital was set up at Expo Centre in Lahore and one 100-bed field hospital in Raiwind. Moreover, special isolation wards were set up in all major hospitals of the provincial capital along with identification of more quarantine centres in all five tehsils of Lahore.

The district administration has regularly been taking stern action against hoarders and profiteers of food and daily-use items. The confiscated masks, sanitizers and other commodities are being supplied in hospitals free-of-cost along with their supply to city pharmacies on half prices.

Another step which the Lahore district administration took was setting up of a control room at DC office that is working round-the-clock. The district administration could be contacted on 03070002345 in any emergency.

Moreover, social distancing, which is the only step to avoid the spread of coronavirus, is being implemented at all grocery shops, pharmacies, banks and on 25 flour trucking points by activating civil defence organisation in the whole district.

To avoid artificial shortage, 25 trucking points have been set up in Lahore where supply of flour is being ensured to citizens. The price of each flour bag is ex-mill price. The district administration has also established 22 camps across major roads, having hand sanitizers and hand washers for protection of citizens, coming out of their homes in case of any important work.

The district administration has set up six temporary Panagahas (shelter homes) in various parts of Lahore, which are in addition to the already established five Panagahas. Homeless people, staying on roads and footpaths, are now staying in permanent and temporary Panagahas.

Another step taken by the district administration is making functional 16 initial corona diagnostic mobile units. They are running on the roads for screening of citizens. If signs of coronavirus are observed in a citizen, he is referred to nearby hospital for complete coronavirus test.

Labourers, daily-wagers, middle class, rich and poor all have been facilitated by government. Now it is time for citizens to play their role and observe social distancing as much as possible and follow the instructions of the government and health experts.