The city looks back at its escape from the pandemic

After languishing in pandemic conditions for over two years, it was only recently that the Karachi began to experience a continuous downward slump in Covid-19 cases; encouraging the government to finally drop its multitude of restrictions.

Following which, over the last few months, the provincial capital has been endeavoring to make a return to normalcy, and charily rebuild all that was lost during the days of darkness. Yet, the path to normalcy is not one that is shy of obstacles, such as the various new contagions at large, the bruised economy, and the ever looming threat of a new coronavirus outbreak.

For the 20 million people of this teeming city however, resilience appears to be second nature or rather a trait necessary for survival amid lack of patrons but a patron saint. “In the last two-something-years, we have seen countless deaths, people have been laid off from work; suffered great losses and the city’s economy at large has been in shambles,” recalled Imranul Haq, a social worker. “It is a miracle that despite of all the trouble this city and its people went through, we have somehow managed to fare better than other, more advanced cities and hold on to our determination,” he added, addressing the city’s ability to bounce back.

According to Al-Mustafa Welfare Society’s Trustee Ahmad Raza, it is god’s exclusive aid that has helped this city stay afloat in the thickest of times, in addition to the people’s goodwill. “The conditions were catastrophic during the first waves of the virus and the resulting lockdowns. Everyone thought that it would break Karachi’s back, but the people of this city held each other’s hand and countless charities and philanthropists stepped up to spread goodwill, eventually pulling the city out of the curse of Covid-19,” told Raza, prescribing the people to stay alert and follow anti-coronavirus protocols to keep outbreaks at bay.

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Similarly, Karachi Traders Union Chairperson Atiq Mir also believes that the last two years under the pandemic were the worst he’s ever seen, but it was the citizen’s collaboration and community work that helped Karachi escape what could have been a devastating fate.

“Merchants paid their employees. People helped each other and took precautions, which prevented the dangerous effects of Covid-19. However, the wounds caused by the pandemic are too deep, and it is only with the passage of time and continued effort for betterment that they will heal,” the chairperson maintained.

Talking about the lingering impact of Covid-19, Taranam Naz, a young social worker from Karachi believes that children were among the most vulnerable segments during the past several waves of Covid-19, and also one of the most severely affected communities. “Many children lost their parents and guardians to coronavirus, some had to be drawn out of school due to the financial crux, while education for almost all children was put on hold for more than an academic year. Now that we are rebuilding, we must remember these children and follow anti-coronavirus guidelines closely so that no child has to suffer like this again,” she expressed. Speaking in the same vain, Pakistan Medical Association General Secretary Prof Dr Qaiser Sajjad also maintained that threat of Covid-19 is still far from clear, and immediate vaccination is the only thing standing between Karachi’s people and another viral outbreak.

Addressing this Sindh Information Minister Saeed Ghani highlighted that inoculation drives are going on in full swing across the province, while doctors and frontline workers have diligently played their part in pulling this city from doom. “In addition, the Sindh government is also grateful to all the agencies and individuals who have worked to reduce the spread of coronavirus and aided the city in its darkest hour,” he told The Express Tribune.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 20^th, 2021.