National Assembly session

The National Assembly held a much awaited session to discuss the current situation arising from the coronavirus pandemic. As expected, there were firecrackers as members of the opposition assailed the government for its handling of the crisis.

The prime minister was a conspicuous absence along with the Leader of Opposition Shehbaz Sharif, who reportedly was told to stay away due to health issues. The prime minister’s absence was noted by the opposition as a testament of his disinterest in handling the crisis.

PML-N leader Khawaja Asif accused the prime minister of giving contradictory statements and confusing the nation. He said it could take years for life to return to normality even and they need leadership at this time. The party leader said the government is easing lockdown even when cases are surging which clearly shows the two months long negligence.

PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was more vocal in his criticism saying while the coronavirus crisis has exposed the true faces of world leaders, including Trump and Boris Johnson, it has also revealed the prime minister’s ineptitude. He alleged the federal government is undermining the Sindh’s government efforts to handle the outbreak which will harm the people.

There were reassurances from Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi who told opposition parties that all their reservations will be heard in parliament. He said the session has been convened for this purpose as it was time to stop playing the blame game and to sit down together and play a part in saving the nation.

There was a stern reminder by the foreign minister that Pakistan’s coronavirus outbreak has yet to speak and the real challenge is yet to present itself. While delivering his policy statement, the minister said the country has been spared from the larger consequences of the pandemic. This clearly shows that the number of cases could rise and we might be seeing a new phase of lockdowns.

According to the foreign minister, Pakistan’s infection and growth rate is different when compared to Europe and US, and our curve is slower and flatter which implies that no one can predict when the outbreak will peak. Therefore, he stated, we cannot have a prolonged lockdown and require a unified strategy to deal with the crisis.

It is welcoming that the parliament is being used to debate and discuss the crisis. This is an opportunity for the prime minister to show the sanctity of parliament and his leadership skills. He should attend the session and take the House into confidence over his handling of the pandemic.