When corona virus appeared in Wuhan, China, it was much alarming situation. Many people from different countries were in China at that time including Pakistani students studying in China. Other countries were bringing back their visitors but Pakistani government was reluctant to bring back the students as it was against the suggestion of World Health Organization (WHO) and the fact that China has enough equipment to counter the corona virus. Since the arrival of visitors from taftan border, corona virus stepped its toes in Pakistan
With two more fatalities in Rahim Yar Khan and Peshawar, the death count rose to 13 on Saturday due to coronavirus. There are now 1504 COVID-19 cases confirmed after people tested positive from all over four provinces. The province wise division of total number of cases is as follows: Total confirmed cases: 1504; Sindh: 469; Punjab: 557; Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 188; Balochistan: 138; Islamabad Capital territory: 39; Gilgit-Baltistan: 111; Azad Jammu Kashmir: 2. Total deaths from corona virus 13; Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 4; Sindh: 1; Balochistan: 1; Gilgit-Baltistan: 1 and Punjab: 6.
According to official sources, 12,000 suspected patients are under observation in the country. Infected persons also include doctors and nurses. Recently, Usama Riaz, a doctor from Gilgit-Baltistan died in fight against coronavirus. Punjab government summoned Pak Army to take control of duties to assist the government. Sindh government announced complete lockdown using the autonomy of eighteenth amendment in constitution. It exerted pressure to maintain the social distance in order for health protection. Use of transportation has been minimized except for urgent situation. Only few people can travel in vehicles. Jamiat ul Azhar has issued a fatwa of offering all prayers at home for health safety.
Recently media talk was arranged in PM house in which Prime Minister Imran Khan told that we will not go for lockdown (unless all necessary conditions are created) as it would affect the economy and labor persons. It was discovered in New York Times that Prime Minister had some differences with military regarding lockdown issue and was sidelined as military is in coordination with provincial governments to enforce a lockdown, they formed a network of military checkpoints in bigger cities and sent police officers to violently disseminate heavy gathering. Today Prime Minister announced the distribution the grocery packages for needy persons and opening of highways.
Punjab Government on suggestion by Corona Experts Advisory Group (CEAG) on Saturday directed all doctors and nurses managing corona patients to perform their duties only 6-hourly shifts. They would be granted two weeks off after one week of duty. The government had given Rs 18 billion immediate tax relief for industry, Rs 10 billion for social protection, Rs 11.5 billion to Health Department and Provincial Disaster Management Authority, Rs 100 billion to public work projects in Annual Development Programme, one extra salary for health department employees, Shuhada package and hiring 10,000 people on immediate basis.
This was all about measures taken by the government of Pakistan so far. The government is striving against corona virus and working in close coordination with China. Doctors are also giving their best shot. The residents of Pakistan are still in hope that corona virus will be completely eliminated some day.
Aysha Tahir 