THE government has announced that it will not allow people’s gatherings and crowds owing to the worsening Covid situation so that the people may remain safe. Nonetheless, the VIPs — mosrtly politicians and bureaucrats — who often visit different places are responsible for the crowd that emerges only becasue of their presence.

Recently, in Punjab, the assistant commissioner of Sialkot was reprimanded by Special Assistant to Punjab Chief Minister Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan for alleged negligence. There were a lot of people who had gathered there, but while the politician was stern in dealing with the bureaucrat, she did not say a word to the people to move away and to follow the SOPs.

Ironically, VIPs advise the masses to follow the SOPs and stay home, but they themselves relish media spotlight by ‘interviewing’ shopkeepers and people on the streets about nothing in particular.

The VIPs and the whole paraphernalia comprising security, protocol and media, that moves with them is one of the main reasons behind the spread of coronavirus.

While it is the responsibility of the people at the helm of affairs to keep an eye on people’s issues, they must carry out this responsibility in a responsible manner.

Mudasir Karim

Turbat

Published in Dawn, May 8th, 2021