On 26th of February, 2020<!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}-->Pakistan reported the first case of Covid-19. Within a few hours it was announced that schools shall remain closed for a week. A week’s closure turned into fifteen days. As cases multiplied rapidly, country-wide lock down was observed. Parks, shopping malls, cinemas and all the public places were closed. Economic life came to a halt. Work-from-home policy was adopted across corporate world. Just as any other part of the world, covid-19 outbreak in Pakistan had taken a toll on the whole nation. Hospitals and medical facilities became completely occupied. Special healthcare facilities were established to admit covid patients.
It was one of the toughest times Pakistan had ever witnessed. A state of health emergency, coupled with economic slump created national crisis. A crisis never witnessed before. In bad times people feel the need to be with their close ones. However, covid required people to stay away from each other if they wanted to see their beloved safe and sound. With educational institutions being shut down and board exams cancelled, a lot of anarchy and restlessness was observed among students. Thousands of people lost their jobs. The outbreak had been especially tough on daily wage earners and the labor class. Many schools and small businesses shut down their operations due to continued losses.
During a calamity such as the outbreak of covid-19, Pakistani people proved how generous and caring they are. Many organized efforts for charity took place to help the poor and destitute people. Government of Pakistan took the initiative of running Ehsaas Program by which the government distributed cash money amongst the needy people. Many people including doctors, nurses and social workers volunteered to work at the special covid healthcare facilities established in different cities of the country. These facilities included treatment as well as isolation centers. People made use of social media to reach out to those in need of help. Forums were established to connect those who were willing to help with those who needed help to deal with coronavirus. For example if anyone was willing to donate plasma could post his details so that anyone who might need it could connect with him.
Pakistan being a developing country could ill-afford such lengthy halts in national production level. Prime Minister of Pakistan urged people to act responsibly not just to protect oneself, but others as well as the government lifted the lockdown. Pakistan’s fight against coronavirus in its first wave was applauded at international level. However, as the second wave is in progress, steep rise in positive cases is observed. People need to show solidarity again and fight this second wave together just as they did during the first wave.
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