WAVE after wave of the Covid pandemic is affecting life all over the world, including Pakistan. It is so paradoxical that the civilised world has put a number of restrictions on social gatherings, while in our part of the world, life somehow is being treated as normal; giving a new twist to the term ‘New Normal’. A case in point is the wedding ceremonies which are in full swing and continue to be marked by great pomp, pageantry and gaiety.

Recently, I happened to attend three weddings in Islamabad. All the functions were arranged under the open skies.

One factor common in all the well-attended ceremonies was the non-observance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) by the invitees. These were not only flouted, but were blatantly defied. The guests were openly embracing and hugging each other.

Nobody in those gatherings had any concern about these wedding extravaganzas being the breeding grounds for the coronavirus. With such a non-serious attitude, how can we expect to overcome the pandemic?

Tying the nuptial knot, in practical terms, is a private affair between two families, and, as such, the ritual is supposed to be simple.

Instead, in our country, the traditional approach is to extend the celebrations for days and weeks together. And the pandemic has not dampened the force of tradition.

During the first coronavirus wave, some sensibility prevailed and the weddings which took place were solemnised in a low-key manner.

I wonder why we cannot continue with that practice. The skies will not fall if the bride and groom take their wedding vows at home or in a nearby mosque, with a minimum number of family members.

Meanwhile, instead of getting to the root cause, we are repeatedly experimenting and exercising the option of shutting down schools now and then, adversely affecting and compromising the education system, and the future of the coming generations.

Two major factors come to mind while considering the spread of the virus, particularly in schools.

First, the transportation of children from home to school in vans packed like sardines, and, second, the seating of children in improvised classrooms, especially the private schools in residential houses.

I wonder what stops us from investing in our future generations? It all boils down to our sense of priority.

Is it the education of children, 40 per cent of whom are already handicapped due to stunted growth, or is it guarding the business interest of marquee and poultry farm owners? The manner in which weddings are being held, and are allowed to be held, in these troubled times indicates a muddled sense of priority on the part of those concerned.

Muhammad K. Sufi

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2021