End of lockdown

The prime minister made the highly anticipated announcement to ease lockdown restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The government will reopen various sectors of the economy in phases starting from tomorrow.

The decision comes as the coronavirus pandemic is far from over and the number of cases are surging. According to the new rules, all businesses allowed to reopen have to follow the SOPs issued by the government or risk closure. Small markets have been allowed to open but shopping centres remain closed which is disappointing for traders. Public transport remains suspended and all examinations have been annulled.

The lockdown has not been properly implemented in various cities of the country. It has also divided the nation as many considered it ineffective and causing irreparable damage to the economy. The working class has been the most affected as thousands of labourers are furloughed and forced to sell their personal assets to make ends meet. There is a growing sense of desperation and the easing of lockdown restrictions might provide some much needed relief.

Many countries have announced to lift lockdown restrictions. Germany has announced to reopen shops, cafes and even the football league, while in Italy people stepped out of their homes for the first time in months. Several US states have lifted lockdown after protests and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who himself recovered from coronavirus, has hinted at lifting lockdown restrictions.

With no cure or treatment for the deadly virus, countries had no option but to impose strict lockdowns. The Chinese city of Wuhan – where the virus originated – imposed the longest lockdown and is now considered a successful model. PM Khan has remained a steadfast opponent of a complete lockdown as it could affect the poor the most and his fears proved to be true.

There is optimism over revival of economic activities although it will a long, painful process and a complete recovery could take many years. There are also concerns that coronavirus cases could spike as lifting the lockdown is premature. India witnessed a surge in infection as it eased lockdown and this could happen in Pakistan as well.

Lifting the lockdown is not an easy decision as it requires finding a balance in reviving the economy and controlling the health crisis. This requires a strong commitment from us to strictly adhere to safety guidelines and precautions or we may have to impose even strict lockdown.