Businesses should be fully restored

Coronavirus – a global pandemic – has gripped the entire world, including Pakistan under its threat. Despite not being a deadly disease, the novel virus has so far claimed lives of more than 600 people across Pakistan and has affected more than 30,000 people.  

Following the outbreak of the coronavirus in Pakistan, the federal and the provincial governments suspended all other activities and devoted all their energies to prevent the pandemic. And that is why today coronavirus infection and the death rates in Pakistan are much lower as compared to other affected countries. However, it is imperative to take precautionary measures to contain the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Due to a lack of effective treatment and medicine for coronavirus, the whole world including Pakistan imposed Chinese-style lockdown. But a permanent lockdown in a country suffering from economic hardship and lack of resources will not solve the problem.

Today, 72 years after its independence, Pakistan is still facing economic problems. And every incoming government tries to keep things going by borrowing funds from internal and external sources. Due to coronavirus lockdown, all business activities in the country were suspended and a large number of people were suffering from hunger. In such distress, no government can handle the situation immediately.

Pakistan’s economy depends on exports and foreign exchange. In the current situation, millions of Pakistanis around the world are looking to return home after losing their jobs. The government is facing a double whammy in terms of coronavirus and the struggling economy.

The Centre and the provinces have allowed small-scale businesses in the country to alleviate the economic woes. And Alhamdulillah (By the Grace of God) business activities have been restored to some extent in the country. However, allowing limited business is not the solution, and the most important issue is transportation. In Karachi, a large number of people use public transport for traveling, but due to a ban on public transport, citizens are facing great difficulties.

The government’s decision regarding time for the businesses could lead to more problems. Because in Ramadan timing of 6 am to 4 pm wouldn’t benefit traders nor citizens. And in the current situation, the unemployment rate could rise further.

The government should take steps to control the coronavirus pandemic and should revive the economy. Entire business activities should be fully restored and people should be provided relief because if that doesn’t happen, people will suffer more from hunger and unemployment than coronavirus.