KARACHI, January 30, 2024 — Chairman of the Businessmen Group (BMG) and Former President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Zubair Motiwala, expressed strong opposition to the implementation of lockdown as a strategy to combat the ongoing pandemic. Instead, he emphasized the need for a robust vaccination campaign and strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Motiwala shared details of his participation in the provincial coronavirus taskforce meeting at the Chief Minister’s House on Friday. The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, included discussions on strategies to address the challenges posed by the pandemic. Also in attendance were Sindh Minister for Information Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Sindh Minister for Industries and Commerce Jam Ikramullah Dharejo, Chief Secretary Sindh Syed Mumtaz Ali Shah, Senior Vice President KCCI Saqib Goodluck, IG Sindh, DG Rangers, politicians, representatives of the business community, and prominent doctors.
During the meeting, Motiwala stressed the importance of a forceful vaccination drive and suggested seeking assistance from the Pakistan Army if necessary to ensure widespread vaccination. He argued that aggressive vaccination and strict implementation of SOPs were more effective approaches than resorting to lockdowns.
Motiwala highlighted information presented during the meeting, revealing that in the month of July, 428 people lost their lives due to COVID-19, with only 46 of them being vaccinated. Notably, the vaccinated individuals were elderly and suffering from chronic diseases. Motiwala emphasized that these statistics underscored the effectiveness of vaccines in combating the pandemic.
The Chief Minister agreed to continue delivery services from restaurants and confirmed that export-oriented industries and their allied sectors would remain operational. Motiwala acknowledged the challenges faced by small traders and shopkeepers due to lockdowns and limited business hours. He urged the government to minimize the difficulties faced by these businesses, warning that prolonged challenges could lead to financial collapse, unemployment, and societal issues.
Senior Vice President of KCCI, M. Saqib Goodluck, proposed an increase in the number of COVID-19 Vaccination Centers throughout the city. He recommended making these centers operational at the Union Council (UC) level to create a hassle-free environment for people to get vaccinated. Goodluck noted that existing vaccination centers were often overcrowded, deterring some individuals from seeking vaccination.
In conclusion, the participants acknowledged the challenging times brought about by the COVID-19 crisis and urged the government to consider extending monetary assistance, especially to small shopkeepers who are grappling with financial difficulties. The focus remains on striking a balance between public health measures and the economic well-being of the community. The call for forceful vaccination and stringent adherence to SOPs echoes a global sentiment that emphasizes proactive measures to tackle the pandemic’s challenges.
