What’s the Latest News on COVID-19 and Its Impact on Pakistan?
Latest News on COVID-19 and Its Impact on Pakistan
The World Health Organization says it is “unacceptable” that more than 10,000 people die every month from COVID-19, with nearly half of those deaths in a country that can afford to do better. That number reflects the impact of the new variant on Pakistan, which has shifted from being the third-worst to now becoming the worst affected in the world, according to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He said holiday gatherings and a spreading variant are driving the rise in infections and hospitalizations.
Although the country has a lot to be proud of in its fight against the virus, it has been hindered by early missteps and political interference. The government’s easing of restrictions on 9 May, against the advice of experts and opposition leaders, encouraged complacency among the population. In addition, misinformation from religious leaders and mixed messaging by the government has contributed to widespread disregard of social distancing procedures. That trend could lead to a second peak in cases in August during Eidul Fitr and Muharram, when large crowds shop and pray at mosques.
Latest News Pakistan was struggling well before the outbreak, with GDP growth slowing and inflation rising to record highs. Imbalanced trade flows and falling exports have also hurt the country. The deteriorating economic conditions have made it harder for the poor to get the vaccine and to find work. This has increased the number of those living in poverty, already at a record high of 57 million people.
What’s the Latest News on COVID-19 and Its Impact on Pakistan?
The government’s attempts to revive the economy have been undermined by its inability to curb the spread of the virus. In a suo moto hearing on the virus crisis in mid-April, a Supreme Court judge warned Sindh to not close businesses that generate revenue for the federation, but it ignored his pleas. The federal government has yet to make good on a promise to give provinces more control over public health decisions.
While there is reason to believe that Pakistan can overcome its current challenges, there are serious questions about the government’s capacity to respond to a future disaster. It is essential that its disaster management agencies be fully equipped to mitigate the impacts of an emergency like a pandemic, but there are concerns about their capabilities and funding.
In addition, past humanitarian crises have shown that women, marginalized communities, and vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by any disaster. This is a reality that needs to be taken into consideration in the development of any preparedness plan for a pandemic.
Amid Pakistan’s bleak situation, the country is still hoping to secure a $10 billion loan from donors to help it recover from last year’s devastating floods. It is time for the international community to keep its promises and support Pakistan’s efforts to bolster its national security, build resilience, and support economic recovery. The future of the country depends on it.