Hoarding face masks

BUREWALA: As the Pakistani health authorities confirmed two positive cases of COVID-19 in the country, usage of preventive objects which mainly include face masks has increased. In view of this situation, unfortunately, face masks are disappearing in the markets of the country — from Karachi to Islamabad. This represents a grim picture of how the country would handle the situation. It also signifies our amoral attitude and irresponsibility to a world disaster. Today, the entire world has geared up efforts to confront this. In Pakistan too, necessary steps are being taken by the government. Black sheep are profiting by hoarding as well as exporting the masks unlawfully. Hoarding of any commodity should be avoided chiefly in times of crisis. In the same way, hoarding of such preventive objects should be avoided by the retailors as well as thwarted by authorities as it is humanity which needs attention instead of immoral activities.

The authorities are therefore requested to look into the matter promptly timely and take steps to solve the problem.

Shahzad Rafique

Published in The Express Tribune, March 1^st, 2020.

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