With the government battling to develop a consistent policy regarding lockdowns – halting social, economic and other public activities to varying degrees – the challenge during these unprecedented times, apart from policy, appears to be implementation. The fluid nature of these lockdowns, rules for which are left open to interpretation by provincial governments, cuts both ways. While it allows greater adaptability according to specific regional needs, it also makes way for a degree of uncertainty which is not desirable given the high stakes. It has been argued that this cannot be entirely avoided.

As the world continues its efforts to make sense of this virus, policymakers across the globe struggle to come up with coherent policies and strategic direction for their countries to battle this out. People affected by the mobility restrictions too continue to innovate in their efforts to seek relief. This perhaps will be the biggest test for humanity.

Social compliance of lockdown rules, whether strict or eased, is dependent on varying factors. For a country like Pakistan, which has a struggling economy, a weak health infrastructure, barely there safety nets and a mix of complex social factors, the situation is all the more taxing. The recent announcement regarding easing of restrictions for certain industries to allow a modicum of economic activity cannot be without certain repercussions. A debate is already afoot on what these actions will lead to and how they might affect government policy and writ. How this pans out only time will tell.

This is no time to cast aspersions or doubt people’s motives. There will be a time for that kind of politics, this not being that hour. But there is certainly a need to hear out one another and allow the best possible strategies to be forged under the circumstances.