Global Economic Meltdown by Senator A. Rehman Malik

The world has been invaded by the corona force which crippled the world and is attacking every country without discrimination. We learned about this force’s attack through the media and China, who was the prime target. In my second article, I had stated that it did not originate in China but the US. This question still prevails; where did it originate? I am sure that one day its reality will be uncovered and that is why I immediately wrote to Secretary-General UN to form a high-powered commission for investigation.

I have written a number of articles on economic analysis but this time I will show that the number of fears I had expressed in my previous articles on the international economy have also been confirmed by economists. The IMF itself has confirmed my prediction by recently stating that “The coronavirus crisis will leave a lasting impact on the global economy and most countries will see their economies being 5 percent smaller than planned even after a quick recovery in 2021.” Economists are also predicting that this year would be the worst global economic contraction since the Great Depression of 1929/1930s. If it is a manmade virus, then it is certainly a motivated and well-planned action to further control international resources and push weaker economies to become weaker and if it is natural then it is certainly a curse and the world has to revisit the world’s economy to at least let poor nations of the world survive to start the new life once again. Our present economic indicators show that the inflation rate is 13 percent, which is too high. Our growth is below 2.2 percent, even though the government is claiming 3.3 by the end of 2020 which is nothing but merely a claim. Such euphoric claims have been made by previous governments as well, and this government should get out of the fudged estimate era.

As indicated above, our empire of the country is built on all types of loans that even our country’s airports/roads or buildings are not spared from being mortgaged to international financial institutions.

Let there be no doubt that we the Pakistanis must know that most of our infrastructure is mortgaged to the world. Hence, we cannot expect that in the present situation created by successive financial scientists, we will be able to pull the country out of this deep mud-ridden problem. We can clearly see that we are under the heavy load of internal debt of Rs32 trillion from borrowing, and private banks’ businesses are flourishing on interest rate. We have new a mafia with the name of the “foreign currency mafia” who are too powerful and too close to the decision makers. The country will note that local borrowing will increase by tenfold during and post coronavirus and the government will let it happen and will close its eyes to money laundering. It will also witness massive money laundering in construction sectors. According to the reports, most of the money will fly to the US, UAE and to Europe and this scandal of impunity in massive money laundering will haunt us at various international forums including FATF and it will be used by our enemies worldwide. I am not criticising anyone; only providing a timely warning to decision makers. Our external debt is $107 billion and the IMF has already demanded its loan back and is likely to continue to increase its pressure for return of this huge sum they gave us; it has excluded us from the list of corona-affected countries. Our economy is slipping because of bad management, increase in debts, instability, inflation and irreparable financial damages due to poor governance.

As a student of investigation, I can see the behaviour of economic indicators which are indicating further slide of the economy and also signalling that the rupee will further slip while the dollar will disappear from the market. The currency mafia will bring the dollar out on their own terms and this time they may make more profit by the further increase of Rs10 against a dollar. Also, many in the finance ministry and the State Bank will make hay while the dollar will shine with its mighty power in the hands of the powerful sitting in the corridors of power. In these worsening situations, all you need is a strong administrator and good managers to control the economy.

During and post the coronavirus economic syndrome, there will be a further major shock to our economy and unfortunately, there is no visible plan to handle it.

Our only hope is the agriculture sector and if no attention is paid to increase yield then it will add to the miseries in the economy. The experts are expecting a very deadly attack of locusts in Punjab and Sindh and partly in KPK. I hope the government will pay attention to this. Mr Farhan Bukhari has painted the picture of real fear in the agriculture sector and its impacts.

The stock market is also consistently under pressure and it is dropping in value because of general economic distress and a few playing it from Karachi who are never punished for their frauds and loss of public money under the cover of big names. There has been a significant decline in foreign exchange reserves and more than 7 percent depreciation in the value of the Rupee.

Our medium-scale businesses are cursed with a high rate of interest and fears created by investigative agencies. It looks like the small business community will be shutting down or will go for bankruptcy.

Consumption will reduce and more money will be drawn out of the companies account, some will be able to survive but the smallest companies will be eliminated in the coming months.

Let us examine if our economy will survive from national bankruptcy or not, due to this continued sliding and a lot of unfortunate deadweight under various internal and external pressures. As a nation, we hope to survive from international bankruptcy but the mid-business community will not be able to survive from it because of a sudden stoppage of industrial and production activities. Unfortunately, the wheels which generate the economic activities and abilities have now come to a standstill due to COVID-19 and this pandemic has shut transport, from the train service to the aviation service; tourism has also gone down to zero in the country with shutting the airlines. The countries with the technocratic authoritarian model as China, Japan, Singapore and to some extent South Korea are dealing more effectively with the virus than democratic ones in the West and South Asia. These countries have efficiently tackled the elements of disinformation in society to stop the spread of chaos and panic. While on the other hand, people in democratic societies who care about freedom, privacy, and individual rights, are much worried about their freedom after COVID-19 is over.

The situation of the pandemic predicts that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the United States and China will decline by 2.4 percent, Japan by 2.7, Germany by 3.6 and the Russian economy will decline by 4.8%. In April 2020, almost every G20 member state made an attempt to minimize the coronavirus pandemic effects for their respective nations. Do we see a positive economic prediction post-corona for Pakistan? No. whereas other countries are continuously working on their projected economic figures. We are likely to undergo heavy losses and our survival will only be possible if we get relief from IMF for at least 10 years and if China shares half the burden to help us work out a formula to generate more income from CPEC. It is to be noted that a high global recession will directly hit us.

The Article was published in The Nation on April 17, 2020, Link to the original article is: https://nation.com.pk/17-Apr-2020/global-economic-meltdown

Senator A. Rehman Malik Letter to Secretary General UN To Constitute UN Commission on COVID-19

The Secretary-General,

United Nations Organization.

    I avail the occasion to express that it is unfortunate that Coronavirus has emerged as the deadliest virus of this century, which definitely, is a deadly pandemic which has stirred up the worst global crisis since World War II.  Though the world history is strewn with pandemics, but COVID 19 has shaken the whole world, like no other.

2.                 Since the breakout of Novel Coronavirus – COVID-19, many claims, speculations, conspiracy theories and misinformation about the disease have found their way into the International print and electronic media, blurring the distinction between real and Fake-News.  Instead of calming down the public, it is only creating uncertainty and panic amongst the masses across the globe.

3.                 In face of the unrest precipitated by the breakout of COVID-19, and to pre-empt the growing perception linking the COVID-19 spread to communities and states that is resulting in rapidly increasing polarization in violent responses; world order needs to be preserved in the interest of the international community.  With the Virologists and Biologist, across the board, being unsuccessful in accurately identifying the source, location, genesis, and variable results among affected states, the plausibility of some sort of Bio-Warfare within the Fifth Dimension Warfare is gaining root.  This trajectory, unfortunately, has the potential to cause further panic and blame games.  I hope the international media plays a positive role and refrain from dividing the world in this difficult hour of mankind. In the given situation it is more important that you may kindly play your role to bring the facts to the public to cease such viral flow of dangerous conspiracy theories.

4.                 Mr. Secretary General, as the Bio-Warfare theories gain root in societies across the globe, in my considered view, it is essential that a high-powered Commission be constituted to ascertain the actual facts under the UN Biological Weapons Convention, 1975.  The Commission may comprise of Virologists, Scientists, Professors, Researchers, Analysts and experts in the fields of Microbiology and Virology.

5.                 The Commission may present its report to you in three-months, and the Terms of Reference (TORs) may include recommendations to prevent future breakouts of such pandemics, and international standards for coordination in case of breakout, in addition to the following:

a.                 To accurately identify the Geo-Location of the COVID-19’s origin; the affected countries to provide samples of their coronavirus patients.

b.                 To identify/locate Patient Zero, through available statistics.

c.                 To discover why the behavior, intensity, and fertility rate of COVID-19 varies from country to country, by using available data

d.                 To discover whether COVID-19 is manmade or a naturally-grown virus. If it is manmade, then what is the Biological and / or A scientific mechanism capable of modifying/re-engineering this virus for use as Bio-Weapon or Bio-Warfare Tool.

e.                 To find out the mechanism of developing or growing this virus without or within the human body, and its survival period on surfaces.

f.                  To examine the allegations of transporting this virus from one place to other destinations in the world, as a Biological Warfare Tactics.

g.                 To find out is the virus is a result of genetic modifications, or cross-breeding of animals, and if there are precedence of similar viruses being transferred from animals to humans, or being transferred by any type of food.

6.                 Mr. Secretary General, I would also avail the occasion to suggest the World Health Organization (WHO) may further institutionalize coordination amongst states, while focusing upon efforts to discover vaccines and treatment for the COVID-19, through R&D and monitoring. 

7.                 Your Excellency, let me clear that I am not blaming any government or a group or leveling any an allegation or endorsing any media report about the origin of COVID-19, however, I have drawn your kind attention to these above apprehensions being shown by international media.

8.                 I have taken up this matter in my sole individual capacity as ex-member of Interpol family and as a formal law enforcer. The above-given fears require immediate action under UN Convention on Biological Weapons, 1975 where you are fully empowered to look into it and all that I have stated above is matter of public record and it provides enough basis for you to constitute a high powered UN commission to investigate as per my above proposed TORs to clear the ongoing poisonous propaganda. I am sure that your media department would have the full details of ongoing propaganda referred above.

9.                 Your Excellency, I consider it my duty, and an honor, to be available for any further queries in this matter, to effect an expeditious redressal of the COVID-19 crisis.

Yours sincerely,

Senator A. Rehman Malik 

Terrorism, bio-warfare and COVID-19 by Senator A. Rehman Malik

The title is dreadful and looking at it one feels that all the three bring death and misery to humanity. People have turned their houses into trenches as it is the only way to protect themselves to go into self-isolation. The fear of Coronavirus has forced all ages of people to be locked in the houses - some are in self-isolation while others are blocked through the lockdown. This deadly virus has at least given us the option to protect ourselves inside four walls of the house. It has created a fear of biowarfare and bioterrorism across the world.

Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and their Destruction – came into force on March 26, 1975, and currently has 182 states as signatories. BWC discourages any country’s hostile intentions to adopt biological warfare and the deliberate use of disease as a weapon through the development, production and stockpiling of biological agents. The convention complements the Geneva Protocol, which banned biological warfare methods in 1925.

When a load of evil viruses or chemicals are launched together in a city or country, there are some options that could be chosen to avoid the spread and ensure protection. Confine yourself inside the house for protection which is, in other words, isolation and social distancing. The government has to take into action and all the arrangements into account. Panic surely creates unrest so measures must be taken to counter such unrest and chaos. The fear of bioterrorism is being expressed by states and other independent scientists and many producers have made movies on bioterrorism.

We have to understand the difference between biowarfare and bioterrorism. The definition of biowarfare is “the use of toxins of biological origin or microorganisms as weapons of war”. Biological warfare can be thought of as intentionally using toxins like poison or microbial organisms like the Bubonic plague whose prime target is a military army that consists of a homogeneous population of fit and healthy soldiers who have possibly undergone appropriate pre-attack vaccination.

During the 18th century AD war between French and Indian forces, British forces under the direction of Sir Jeffrey Amherst gave blankets to Native Americans that had been used by smallpox victims following a plan to spread the disease.

During the 90’s biological warfare became more sophisticated except for when during World War I, the German Army developed anthrax, glanders, cholera, and a wheat fungus as biological weapons to spread the plague in St Petersburg, Russia, Mesopotamia, and attempted to do the same with the horses of the French Cavalry.

On the other hand, the purpose of bioterrorism does not necessarily aim to cause mass casualties but to spread mass terror, confusion and community disruption. The target is mainly a diverse civilian population which includes people of all age groups including the young, elderly, and immune-compromised and healthy.

The most famous example of bio-terrorism is the 1984 Oregon outbreak of Salmonella enterica Typhimurium that sickened 751 people and sent 45 to hospitals. It was the largest foodborne illness outbreak in the USA in 1984.

Bioterrorism exists as found during the Iraq war where several pathogenic organisms were intentionally released. Even letters carrying Anthrax and Yersinia pasties (causing plague) spores were sent to USA senators and media outlets in 2001 to spread fear and terror through deadly diseases which killed five and made 17 ill.

As time is passing we are getting clear indications of entering into the 5th generation of warfare, which is different from former generations in terms of weaponry and tactics used in it against the enemy.

If you’re a military man or a terrorist looking to defeat the enemy by sowing fear and confusion among your target nation or group, you need to disrupt supply chains, ruin crucial industries and destabilise the economy. You can’t do much better than to work some biological mischief on food or pharmaceutical networks. The assumption that people are afraid of radiation (dirty nukes, nuclear bombings, etc.), that’s nothing compared to their fear of tainted food or contaminated air.

The international establishment and the world has entered into a very dangerous zone which is highly perilous for various nations.

We all know science has progressed so much that a little virus can be modified and converted into a dangerous small creature that will find its growth in the victim.

Genetically modified viruses are developed through genetic modification, which involves directed insertion, deletion, artificial synthesis, or change of nucleotide sequences in viral genomes using biotechnological methods and reverse genetics. To modify the viral genome, corresponding DNA sequences need to be modified, without bothering or modifying the viral DNA/RNA. Because viruses are very tiny, it’s much easier to manipulate the plasmids than viral genomes. We conclude that bioterrorism is not new but an old method to destroy one’s enemies. Osama Bin Laden tried it in 2011, and as Minister of Interior, I dealt with it by arresting his accomplices and the plot was foiled. Biowarfare is too dangerous as this is likely to be developed by states though it could be termed as state terrorism. Yet it can be developed undercover and can be launched by ageists in a hostile country.

If any individual or group is found involved in its proliferation, for themselves of a state, then he/they should be liable for the death penalty through an emergency trial. The world can only survive with stringent laws and with major penalties.

I know some friends may not like my harsh proposal but, those who do not care for others’ rights and are criminals have no right to ask for relief.

The article was published in The Nation on April 11, 2020, Link to the original article is https://nation.com.pk/11-Apr-2020/terrorism-bio-warfare-and-covid-19

The Vision of Shaheed Z A Bhutto- by Senator A. Rehman Malik

This day of April 4 reminds us of the judicial murder of a great charismatic public leader Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in 1979 – a day that was actually the death of humanity. He ruled the hearts of the people as he gave a voice to poor masses.

History will neither forgive nor forget the murder of a leader who wanted to make us progressive and peaceful, to take us towards national integrity and prosperity by empowering the masses, and by making Pakistan the first Muslim nuclear power in the world. He feared that Pakistan would be exposed to external danger by neighbouring India and therefore announced, “We (Pakistan) will eat grass, even go hungry, but we will get one of our own (nuclear bomb), we have no other choice.”

Bhutto refused to succumb to international pressure to roll back Pakistan’s nuclear programme. Gerald Feuerstein, who was a witness to the meeting between Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in Lahore in August 1976, admitted in an interview that Bhutto rejected the warning to roll back or compromise Pakistan’s nuclear programme.

Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was a distinguished leader in the history of Pakistan who imparted the lesson of peace and humanity to the rest of the world

Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto hurt for his people, country and the Muslim Ummah, and he made history by bringing the Ummah on one platform during the Islamic Summit Conference in Lahore in 1974. He was not only a distinguished national leader but also an unparalleled statesman who revived a broken nation after the disaster of the fall of Dhaka by bringing back 90,000 prisoners of war. The public must know that the enemies of Pakistan decided to eliminate him after he refused the rollback of the nuclear programme despite numerous pressures and threats of making him a “horrible example”.

CIA hatched a plan to block communism, using Islam through General Zia-ul-Haq. He preached his own brand of Islam wherein he promoted extremists, terrorists and all kind of criminals under the name of Jehadis. These extremists and criminal elements were brought and nourished by US in Pakistan for launching them in Afghanistan to operate.

I got an invitation for an official function at the Army House once, but it was this black day in the history of Pakistan, as on this day, the Chief Justice of Pakistan upheld the death sentence of Bhutto. He received many greetings and commendations for his judgment. General Zia-ul-Haq, standing next to the Chief Justice was also receiving greetings from his own created politicians and senior colleagues. They were essentially celebrating the death of a charismatic leader who dreamt of Pakistan leading the world.

They killed and buried Bhutto mysteriously but hid his brave daughter. Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the first woman Prime Minister of the Muslim world, signified the political rebirth of her father Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s legacy. She suffered the most in the hands of Zia-ul-Haq and his remnants but eventually she witnessed the crashing of C-130B Hercules aircraft where even remains of the body of Zia-ul-Haq could not be found. The wrath of Allah Almighty also fell on Justice Moulvi Mushtaq who had awarded death sentence to Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto as well.

As Director FIA, I took it upon myself to look into old files of the judicial murder of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, where I found some tampered documents. I will soon write a book detailing the conspiracy behind Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s ‘judicial murder’, which was carried out through a premeditated plan. General Zia-ul-Haq’s government changed the documents but the entire world declared it a ‘judicial murder’. I appreciate the honesty of the then Director Law of FIA who had clearly stated the shells of the bullets were replaced, witnesses were tampered, and Masood Mahmood was tutored under duress.

General Zia-ul-Haq tried to eliminate Bhuttoism by killing Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto but he still rules the hearts of the people while Zia-ul-Haq was seen as a disgrace in the world. We know almost all those Muslim leaders who participated in the Second Islamic Summit Conference held from February 22-24, 1974 in Lahore died unnatural deaths. Undoubtedly, the killing of all these Muslim leaders cannot be a coincidence but an operation to punish them and to give a message to the Muslim world.

In my humble capacity, I will soon expose those facts which are buried in files from those who are mum. Us PPP workers and President Asif Ali Zardari filed a reference to Supreme Court but then Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry did not take it up. I, therefore, appeal to the present Chief Justice to take up this case to vindicate the position of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.

Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was a distinguished leader in the history of Pakistan who imparted the lesson of peace and humanity to the rest of the world. He gave voice to the poor and oppressed people of Pakistan and empowered them to stand for their rights. I had the honour to work with three Bhuttos, first with Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, and thereafter Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto – my leader, mentor and sister – followed by Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari – the only hope for Pakistan’s future. I feel proud to have a personal and political association with the Bhutto and Zardari families. Like Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto who carried on Bhutto’s legacy more powerfully and bravely, I find the same bravery, wisdom, vision, and far-sightedness in Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

Bhutto’s ideology was popular throughout the world and he could have saved his life if had compromised with a dictator, which was an impossible notion for a leader of the people. Today, Pakistan is secure only due to Bhutto’s vision. The future belongs to PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, as he is the only one who truly has the guts to fill Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s boots. Bilawal is the future Prime Minister of Pakistan InshaAllah, and the people can see a Bhutto among themselves once again.

Pakistanis see a ray of hope in Chairman Bilawal Bhutto to pull the nation out of the crisis. He is rightly following in the footprints of Z A Bhutto and SMBB and we will soon witness him be successful in his mission.

The article was published in The Nation on April 4, 2020 on the Martyrdom Anniversary of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. Link to the original article is https://nation.com.pk/04-Apr-2020/the-vision-of-z-a-bhutto

An open letter to political parties & govt for national realistic approach to counter Coronavirus By Senator A. Rehman Malik

As this is not the time to play politics but to save our people from the deadly attacks of this bioterrorism by this deadly virus, I consider it as my utmost national obligation to write this open letter to all the political parties of the country and the Government to come together to fight this deadly virus. We delayed calling the Army Medical Corps (AMC) which should have been the part of the anti-coronavirus movement from day one. I was entrusted with this duty by the chairman senate and our committee along with other stakeholders worked day and night to brief the people and government. The polarised political system will further endanger the people as I still see a plot used and blame game policy with divided opinion.

I have been saying this before and even now the entire anti coronavirus operation should be handed over to AMC for an effective and result-oriented approach to block virus to multiply its victims. I along with my other committee members had a lot of work with objectives, identification and countermeasures have been suggested. Sindh followed it partially and gave partial good results whereas I have been closely watching the behavior of this deadly virus worldwide. Let us forget as to how this virus came into being. It does not matter at the moment as to who is the inventor of this virus but the fact is that this has attained its status of bio-terrorism which has set its own rules of action and defines its endless boundaries. 

I have been closely watching the behavior of this deadly virus worldwide. Let us forget as to how this virus came into being. It does not matter at the moment as to who is the inventor of this virus but the fact is that this has attained its status of bio-terrorism which has set its own rules of action and defines its endless boundaries. This bio-terrorism nourishes within your own beloved body rather you protect it within your body and you pass it on to your own loved ones and friends. This is no more a simple health issue but it has become a national security risk and can create numerous national security issues including direct effects on our national vital organs.

We all knew that it has come to attack us and I warned the nation much earlier recommending 30 advices to block these invisible millions of suicide bombers which are going to attack us from all routes and if not stopped well in time it will become very lethal. These 30 points recommendations were sent to the ministry of interior and health on 27th February 2020 but the government took it lightly.

The meeting dated 27th February discusses the adverse effects both in our civilian sector and defense sector as we have integrated society and there are no visible red lines between the civilians and defense forces. I stated on the 27th February that the borders and airports must be screened out by the AMC as our civilian doctors and health paramedical staff is not capable of handling this alien bio-terrorism.

Then I appealed to the COAS and Prime Minister to bring in AMC to assist the civilian for testing and setting up of civilian isolation centers. Thanks to the COAS for this initiative and it seems that our AMC is preparing to find this bio-terrorism which only demonstrates through its entry in the human body and I hope and pray AMC is in a strong position to fight it with its professional and unmatched skills.

First Blunder - The government took it lightly and despite timely advice did not raise the border force with fast orientation and briefing for handling the incoming victims to Pakistan entering through frequented and in frequented routers. We did not bother even when it was declared pandemic.

I again requested the government to get a handful of testing kits but the government did not want to spend money and were still looking for some aid and charity supply in the form of testing Kits and ventilator. Once again the instructions to this effect were given directing them to imports kits and allocation of Rs.20 billion but in vain.

Dear all we are aware, the coronavirus pandemic is rapidly developing into an existential Security Threat for the country, which is stymieing our future progress, and is menacing to devastate each and every institution and individual of the country. Unfortunately, no fool-proof strategy or policy has been developed so far to restore the confidence of the public and to strengthen their morale for combating this looming Coronavirus mega-crisis. Our ability to meet international standards or conventions in pandemic situations is also falling quite short. Neither we have the resources nor have the will to transfer funds from the other projects. The federal and provincial governments and the national institutions within their available resources are making flat-out efforts to counter the risk when it is already penetrated widely in the country. This deterioration in public morale and confidence remains at the low side.  Such a situation of despondency is vulnerable to the enemy’s exploitation and could result in several uncontrollable consequences which I would not like to discuss here.

In complete honesty, and without any intention of criticism or blame-game, I find the present Counter-Coronavirus from the day one to be much below the mark, and inadequate to meet the growing challenges and that is why are landing more deep trouble. Though fully cognizant of the gloomy economic circumstances, to rescue our people from slipping into the horrible whirlpool of this bio-terrorism/coronavirus, we have no option to divert our resources urgently and to place the disposal of AMC through monitoring mechanism to make some visible progress for the protection of the general public to restore the sinking trust and confidence. Whereas the government is reluctant to spend on the counter-coronavirus measures which is not a good message for the general public and non-availability of funds will bring only very little change to cater for emergent facilities required for testing, quarantining, medicines and provision of ventilators, as per my following observations:-

(a) There are only 5 ventilators in the whole Rawalpindi and Islamabad whereas there are only 1500 ventilators in the rest of the country and the government and politician tell honestly that the can the country fight this ever-growing bio-terrorism with this equipment.
(b) Shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):​ There is an acute shortage of Testing Kits, protective Masks for the doctors and para-medical staff, Protective Coveralls, etc.  Ostensibly, Doctors are compelled to make public statements expressing their incapacitation to address the issue in such circumstances.
(c) Un-Trained Service Providers:​The staff and officials of various institutions, deployed at public places and expected to be the first responders to Coronavirus exigencies, lack inappropriate training and are without PPE.  Not only they are exposed to the infection, but they also cannot perform to the desired levels.
(d) Insufficient Funding or Release Thereof:​Unfortunately, meager amounts have been allocated to Health Departments, DRAP, etc., and those too are not being released in time, forcing these end-users to seek donations and contributions, which in fact erodes the public trust and faith in the departments as well as the government.
 (e) Lack of indiscriminate Testing Facility:​There is a growing perception amongst the general public of being discriminated and denied the testing facility on one pretext or the other. The increasing black-marketing, coercion by quacks, and proliferation of counterfeit testing kits and medicines is further aggravating the situation.
(f) Delayed Test Results:​Due to insufficient credible Testing Labs, or high costs, patients, on one hand, are being denied tests and timely results, until they are critically sick, in which case, further complications and agony overtake the treatment.  Ironically, the expenses involved are practically beyond the capacity of a common man.  It is thus extremely important that the strategy of determining the eligibility for testing needs to be immediately reviewed, while the costs need to be suitably subsidized in a meaningful way to mitigate the issue.

In view of the above observations I propose that that government may kindly take immediate actions by adopting the following measures: -

 (a) Pre-emptive Measures or Identification Kits etc.:​ The constitution of Pakistan provides equal opportunity for proper health and care hence government should provide free of cost coronavirus testing to every citizen who feels vulnerable or needs tests. There is a deep perception amongst the public, particularly, those who have to use public transport for commuting, visit or work large infrastructures, etc., that there is no effective or trustworthy mechanism to filter out potential Coronavirus victims, who may not be aware that they are at risk.  We must, therefore, as rapidly as possible, equip such infrastructures with safe and reliable detection equipment.

(b) Quarantine Centres:​Learning lessons from the havoc wreaked by inadequate quarantining in the recent past, we must prepare for the worst, and very quickly develop quarantine centers, which meet the required medical or WHO standards.  This would be an essential action towards restoring public confidence and preparing the second Line of Defence (First being Social Distancing and Self Isolation).  In this context, I recommend that:

(i) Medical Colleges & Hospitals: All the hospitals associated with private medical colleges should be converted into Quarantine Centres, with the colleges being made responsible to ensure minimum standards.  The local doctors, and students, where appropriate, should be trained into emergency support.

 (ii) Wedding Halls and Marquees: All wedding Halls and Marquees should be converted into Quarantine Centres, since they have adequate infrastructure and would need minimum structural changes.

(iii) Encouraging Medical Personnel: It is unfortunate that our entire para-medical staff and doctors are fully exposed to risk because of a lack of proper medical kits to be used for treating the coronavirus patients. Hence arrangements for such medical kits both for the civilian and Army doctors and para-medical staff should be procured and appeal be made to the local manufacturers to increase the production and supply to the government urgently. Any doctor or Para-Medic losing his life in way of service should be given a hero’s status and compensation package equivalent to the Military be given to him.  The Military may own him posthumously, as an honorary officer or staff.

(c) Lock-Down:​ The announcement made yesterday for lockdown is not being observed in its true letter and spirit. To impose compulsory social distancing and prevention of the undetected spread of the Coronavirus, it is essential to contain and isolate families, for at least the known incubation period of the Coronavirus, enabling in identifying and quarantining and treating the potentially infected persons.  There is a need to carry out appropriate Isolation through simultaneous District level Lock-Down, which, if need be, maybe imposed through Curfew or Deployment of Military.

(d) NADRA for Identifying Infected Areas. Through digital coordination, NADRA should continuously update the Health Authorities / National Corona Virus Monitoring Centre, with the geo-referencing of the patient and persons suspected to have been in contact with the patient.  Appropriate quarantining effort be carried out thereafter.

(e) Strengthening National Unity: A ban should be imposed on politicians from any blame game and coronavirus should not be used as a ball to play the political game and the Prime Minister may himself invite all heads of the political parties and create a unity to evolve a unified approach to benefit from all parties and groups across the board, for discourse in the context of Coronavirus advising actions with collective responsibility. Strategies hammered out may be adopted by the government for immediate implementation. I personally feel that the political parties may continue their internal consultations but it should end to some proposals. I propose a combined meeting of all the stakeholders including government, intellectuals, medical and financial experts.

(f) Providing Resources:​ At least Rs. 10-billion each should be immediately granted to each and every province, AJK, and G-B for the creation of medical facilities, ensuring availability of tests, all needed medical facilities for admission and treatment, etc.

(g) Inter-Provincial Coordination: A meeting of all Chief Ministers, Chief Secretaries, Home Ministers and Health Secretaries of each province, AJK and G-B be called to understand their difficulties and to share experiences, with an intent to develop a common strategy and to bring them on one page.  This is particularly essential to ensure provincial harmony, coordination and synergy while reducing space for any campaigns through Social Media or Electronic Media to cause otherwise.

(i) Media Management:​ The government must give a well-defined and national media action plan to minimize the scare and maximize the awareness of the public during the lockdown to ensure that the public is kept fully informed. A centralized media center should be created and the information to the public be supplied through this center as national news with no breaking news for channel rating. The concerned departments should immediately ensure effective campaigns on Media to educate the masses for the preventive measures, awareness and reporting procedures in regards to Coronavirus.  At least two hours in each transmission should be dedicated to this purpose.  Unverified or Fake news should be prevented, graphic details, particularly of victims should be avoided, and statistics or updates should not, in any case, contradict or conflict with the National Focal person’s report.  Spreading fake-news or unverified contents regarding Coronavirus through social media should be made traceable and punishable.  PEMRA and all TV Channels should be duly taken on board in this context.

(j) Ministry of Health:​As the Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Dr. Zafar Mirza, is delivering effectively, there is a need to strengthen him with more resources and free-hand to add to the impetus.

 (k) Promulgation of Ordinance:​Ordinance to enforce these emergent measures may be promulgated immediately after necessary consensus and due-diligence.

(l)  Economic Measures:  We do not know as to how far and how long this bio-terrorism is going to play ping pong with the lies of the public and hence there is a dire need to bring in a legislation to regulate the funding so allocated for this pandemic and Indemnity of actions to crack down and other measures taken in countering coronavirus in good faith.

(J)  Ban on Export of Medical Equipment: Special punishment for the violation of government instructions pertaining to medical equipment/medicines or smuggling of any item required in the country for treatment of coronavirus patients.

(i)  Functionaries within the constituencies:  The Political leadership at all levels should be restricted to remain in their constituencies to supervise and monitor the medical measures in the constituencies.

(J) Cabinet Office Meeting Room: A COBRA Room shall be established immediately with a special committee of the Prime Minister, Cabinet, legislators, former experienced politicians, medical experts, financial and security experts to monitor the pandemic in a fully protected conference room. The National Security Division should also be declared as a member of the said COBRA Crisis management Centre.

We as a nation have always adopted the “look busy do nothing” policy in such terrible situations and national mishaps as the only thing we do is to gather funds for such unexpected incidents that cripple our lives.

I wish the govt allocates and utilizes every sufficient fund to update health systems and awareness programs.

We the political leaders make noise when emergency/destructive situation erupts. Has any political party come up with a law for the up-gradation of the health care system?  Because as we speak, we still use Panadol or Aspirin to treat ourselves whenever we feel sick.

If the respective govt had imported enough Ventilators, we would not be panicking today and begging for it from the other countries of the world.

Let us all now stand firm behind the govt to fight this newborn bio-terrorism. 

The article was published in The Nation on March 25, 2020, Link to the original article: https://nation.com.pk/25-Mar-2020/an-open-letter-to-political-parties-govt-for-national-realistic-approach-to-counter-coronavirus