KARACHI:
The Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc across the world. Many countries are trying hard to contain the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant. The government of Pakistan too is playing a decisive role in dealing with this disastrous situation. However, citizens are not ready to cooperate with the authorities. Many are still reluctant to get vaccinated because of misconceptions and myths that are being circulated on social media and other online platforms.
A few days ago, I went to get myself vaccinated. While waiting in line, I managed to start a conversation with a few people standing behind me. They said that they were getting vaccinated because of the restrictions that the government had announced. They further added that had it been up to them, they would have remained unvaccinated because they had heard that the Covid-19 vaccines has adverse side effects. These misconceptions are the reason that many people are still unvaccinated. Religious scholars and political leaders must take steps to create awareness in this regard and encourage people to get vaccinated.
The NCOC had recently decided that unvaccinated people would not be allowed to undertake domestic air travel. Furthermore, different provinces have come up with their own restrictions such as banning sim cards and restricting unvaccinated people from entering crowded public places. It is regrettable that the authorities have to resort to such measures to coerce people into doing what is right.
Hammal Zahid
Kolahoo
Published in The Express Tribune, August 11th, 2021.
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