ISLAMABAD: A senator belonging to the opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Thursday asked the government to revive the local government (LG) system to help needy people before it was too late and draw up a long-term plan to deal with the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Talking to reporters, Senator retired Lt Gen Abdul Qayyum said that local governments’ representatives could reach out to every house in their respective localities, identify the needy and render help to them.

“This may avert the worst human catastrophe because of unemployment and food shortages that is knocking at the door because of prolonged lockdowns,” he said.

He said that since it was difficult to predict how long the pandemic would remain in Pakistan and the world, both short- and long-term scenarios should be envisioned, possible damages to lives, economy and food security should be assessed and contingency plans put in place.

He said the prime minister should consider himself the leader of the entire nation instead of the PTI only and call a multi-party conference to formulate a national plan of action. He said that the prime minister should take firm policy decisions and ensure their strict implementation without wavering.

He said Pakistan should apply to Paris Club for rescheduling of debts and put full pressure on the IMF and the World Bank for debt relief and writing off some debts as had been done for many nations in the past.

General Qayyum said that maximum financial assistance should be given to farmers to buy top quality seeds and fertiliser on cheap rates.

Published in Dawn, April 17th, 2020