There is a lot of talk about lockdown or curfew in Pakistan to restrict the spread of covid-19. No one is mentioning the constitutional or legal provision for it.
Since the govetnment does not have a complete register of labour force, it may result in a disaster. Lockdown may work in urban areas with strong social service NGO networks such as Karachi. With quick surveys and logistic arrangements it may be implemented in many orher cities. It will be very difficult to implement in rural areas. If not overseen strictly it may give rise to malssive corruption and exoitation.
Moreover, so far there has been not a single report of infection in rural areas. More staltitics are needed to develop a strategy for rural areas. But time is of essence.
PM Imran Khan's hesitation is understandable. CM Murad Shah's confidence is based on the resolve of Karachi NGOs. We shall see what happens in other parts of Sindh.
