WE all know that the third Covid wave is raging across the country. The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has also been emphasising the need for stringent adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and has been seeking army’s help in implementing them to curtail the spread.

Amidst all this, there is a shocking display of complete disregard for SOPs on various television channels during live shows, including both entertainment and current affairs talk shows.

Recently, a show hosted by a famous actor had no one wearing a mask and celebrities were shown prancing around as if pandemic was not a word they had ever heard of.

Political talk show hosts are not far behind either, as politicians sit hardly a foot away from each other while constantly screaming to put their point across.

Don’t these personalities have bigger social responsibility as they can influence millions?

If Ahsan Khan, who is an actor and a TV host, is rightfully fined by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) for mistreating animals, why is not the authority holding celebrities accountable for ignoring SOPs, especially when their irresponsible behaviour can lead to making already alarming Covid situation worse?

Amatuz Zahra Rizvi
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, May 12th, 2021