COVID-19: Liberties Evaporate in a Thin Air

COVID-19: Liberties Evaporate in a Thin Air

by: Saddam Hassain Magsi

The Corona-virus disease is spreading at a break-neck speed. The pandemic has become a serious nightmare across the globe. Given its unparalleled spread, health, psychological, mental, and economic costs have yet to be realized. Recent studies show that we have already entered a recession. In a similar vein, while dealing with the response to corona virus, civil liberties are given a hasty burial. Unable to exercise their constitutional rights and guarantees, People are in shut-down orders. Liberal thinkers such as J.S Mill and John Locke talk about the state of perfect freedom. John Rawls, an American liberal philosopher says that liberty is a fundamental liberal principle. If it is curtailed, it is deemed as a violation of fundamental human rights. China is a case in point in this regard. It is a totalitarian regime. China’s aggressive and ruthless measures lead to fruition. It has become relatively successful in the containment of the virus. But, such measures may not work in other countries. 

"Therefore, Politicians in the corridors of power need to mull-over the violations of individual and collective liberty. People often resort to violence when they are asked not to go to a church or a mosque, as they want to exercise their liberties guaranteed by a constitution."

 

Let’s take an example of the USA. People of America love their freedom and liberties.

It is a highly consumerist society in nature. They despise the idea of being told what to do and what not to do. Therefore, complete lock-downs would possibly not be possible in the USA. As a result, the world is already witnessing the deteriorating situation across the Atlantic Ocean. At the same time, the ideas of civil liberties are already making headlines. Given this state of dilemma, how to justify the present situation of lock-downs? Without minimizing the seriousness of the pandemic, with recognizing that this is a global crisis, it is equally important to be wary of the fact that democratic countries have constitutions and constitutional rights: the right to assemble the right to free speech, and the right to religious freedom. What is striking is that the blithe way in which the politicians, elected- officials and the law-enforcing institutions are abridging these rights at whim.

Presently, the world is seeing an animus against constitutional rights; using the virus as a pretext to deny the citizens their rights and basic liberties. Developed countries have strong institutions. There are well-established checks-and balances about the abuse and the misuse of power. However, the developing world has weak institutions and poor checks and balances. Policy approval is not in the hands of institutions but leaders. Consequently, power is easily abused. Therefore, Politicians in the corridors of power need to mull-over the violations of individual and collective liberty. People often resort to violence when they are asked not to go to a church or a mosque, as they want to exercise their liberties guaranteed by a constitution.

Governments also need to come up with an exit strategy before the civil-unrest unfolds and it becomes too late. Not only Pakistan but the entire world is lacking an exit strategy. Lock-downs may lead to fruition for a short period of time, but in the long term, it is unsustainable.

~ Saddam Hassain Magsi

The author has  deep interest in International security and peace studies. 

He can be reached at: magsisaddamhussain@gmail.com  

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