Easing away from lockdown.

Byline: Afshan Subohi

DESPERATE to cut losses and get back to their game quickly, owners of small and medium businesses loathe the recommendation of caution and resent provincial governments for their reluctance to ease the Covid-19-induced lockdown.

'If death is our destiny, we at least deserve a chance to go down fighting,' a leader who wished not to be identified said while commenting on the wisdom of easing the lockdown weeks before the pandemic peaks in Pakistan.

Ease lockdown or face economic deprivation: What should countries like Pakistan do?

They might be anxious about the rising number of Covid-19 cases and deaths, but they equate the endless lockdown with surrendering to a mighty enemy that wishes to implode the economy. Underplaying the health risk, local business leaders describe the PTI government's decision to end the 50-day lockdown as the first step in a very long journey to a painful recovery.

Prime Minister Imran Khan announced last week that the lockdown would be lifted in phases from May 9. He advised citizens and businesses to observe standard operating procedures (SOPs) to avert a surge in Covid-19 cases.

Joblessness seems to have weakened the government's resolve to extend the lockdown until the deadly virus plateaus

More than anything, it was probably the spike in joblessness and the growing heat of the local chambers' argument that melted the government's resolve to extend the lockdown until the deadly virus plateaus after hitting the peak towards the end of the current month.

Numerically strong and operating mostly under the radar, the trader/retailer base is spread to the farthest nook and cranny of Pakistan. They have the power to turn the tables if tested. It is, therefore, not easy for any government to ignore their demands. The manufacturing base, in comparison, is narrow and mostly regulated. It is, therefore, easy for a government to discipline this segment.

Corporate Pakistan, including multinational companies (MNCs) wizened by the experience of other nations/trading partners, found the prime minister's decision a little premature. They think ending the lockdown at this point is not apt as it will expose the country that has already taken a massive economic hit to a higher risk of what has been dreaded - a high mortality rate.

Anjum Nisar, president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), was overwhelmed by the intensity of the situation. He narrated multiple alarming tales...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT