COVID-19 and politicking

As the emergence of COVID-19 has affected everything around us including behaviour, public dealing, economy, culture, etc. Similarly, it has provided a new shape to the politicking. For instance, in Pakistan, ongoing feud between the central government and the provincial governments in general but Sindh province in particular has provided opportunity to the rival parties to enhance their political gains and paint the efforts of other side as flawed strategy for tackling the deadly coronavirus. Politicians have indeed found opportunity to increase their political capital during this trying time. In US, once coronavirus is contained and the presidential election kicks-off, Covid-19 will take the centre stage in the presidential debates. This issue will be in the spotlight than many other issues such as tackling Iran, Afghan negotiations, killing of general Sulemani, etc. There is nothing wrong in claiming credit for the positive initiatives. However, it is certainly worrisome when the local politicians hold photo-ops while distributing one detergent soap, sanitiser, or a ration beg, etc. It adds to the injuries of the poor but the men integrity whose souls are badly torn, their hearts are injured, reputation is shattered when their photographs are doing rounds on social media. Such worst practice must be the Machiavellian meanness, but not sympathy or support to the downtrodden segments of society. Such actors need soul searching now more than ever !