Stakeholders that control Pakistan really need to step up and work for change
KARACHI: The number of coronavirus deaths in Pakistan had reached a double digit during the month of April after which it has been steadily increasing. Over the past 10 days, however, this increase has almost doubled. As it stands around 600 people in the country have lost the fight to Covid-19. We should try to save lives. Doctors have also confirmed that more patients are being reported with severe illnesses, which may or may not be linked to the virus. The officials concerned and the government really need to rethink their decision of easing the lockdown. Cases have already soared past 22,000 and the more the virus spreads the more people are at risk of dying.
Pakistan is one of the most populated countries with about 200 million people. Many of them live in slums and informal settlements which makes it very difficult for them to maintain social distancing if restrictions are removed. While it is true that essential tasks need to be carried out to keep the country functioning, this problem is being faced all over the world and not just in Pakistan. This virus is a test of a country’s true potential and Pakistan needs to fight back fiercely.
All institutions need to work seamlessly together in order to provide help, funds and relief to the people. The truth that no one seems to be talking about is that jobs have been lost, entire departments have been fired and paychecks have been withheld. Stakeholders that control Pakistan really need to step up and work for change so that the lockdown remains intact till the pandemic has subsided.
Saad Abid
Published in The Express Tribune, May 9th, 2020.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
