100-million milestone

100 million people across the country are now fully vaccinated while around 127 million have received at least 1 dose

Yet another commendable milestone has been achieved as Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar revealed that 100 million people across the country are now fully vaccinated while around 127 million have received at least one dose. Soon vaccines will be eligible for citizens of all ages. Moreover, 70% of students have also been fully vaccinated. This is indeed encouraging as there is hope of returning to normalcy, but the damage that the pandemic has done and the new world it has created is irreversible.

For the most part, the government has been vigilant and effective at curbing the deadly waves of the pandemic while maintaining a rather satisfiable vaccination rate. It goes to show that if officials are willing to work together sincerely, they can overcome any adversity or crisis. As of now, the positivity ratio is a manageable 2%. Still, there is no room for complacency and this might be the perfect time to further push teenagers and adults to get themselves vaccinated and senior citizens to receive their booster shots before officials start scampering at a threat of another wave. The situation is still precarious and the country can no longer afford to close down schools and businesses because the loss is too much a burden to bear for the common man in times of inflation and uncertainty. Pakistan must continue with its internationally recognised vaccination drive and officials must realise that such recognition can be used to enhance their voice at the international forum.

Analysts and scientists are currently divided about their predictions of the future. Some claim that more dangerous variants of similar or even greater intensity may continue to emerge and that this will be our new normal. Others claim that the Omicron variants has shown that Covid-19 will now become less threatening and relegated to nothing more than a flu. Whatever the case, Pakistan must prepare as if the worst is yet to come.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 8^th, 2022.

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