We discuss the smart lockdown and kick-starting the economy in Punjab with the Chairman of Punjab’s Planning and Development Board, Hamed Yakoob Sheikh.

This podcast was recorded on 23 April. As of 12 May, there are 32,081 recorded cases of COVID-19 in Pakistan and 706 deaths. There are 1932 cases in the Punjab province, and 33 confirmed deaths.

In the discussion we explore the challenge of tailoring protective measures to context; coordinating between federal and state levels of government; the tricky process of balancing public health with a gradual exit from lockdown and planning for economic recovery; and the need to work with the grain of cultural practices.

Host: Peter Harrington
Editor: Emmie Fairbairn
Producer: Katherine Valentine

*Due to constraints caused by the current lockdown, this episode was recorded with limited technology and as such we apologise for any inconsistencies in sound.