Coronavirus and Pakistan

The outbreak of novel coronavirus has unfortunately claimed six lives in Iran. Additionally, 28 cases are reported so far and the World Health Organization has termed the situation in Iran as extremely alarming. The Iranian government as a ‘preventive measure’ has also ordered the closure of schools, colleges, and universities due to the undesirable situation. Meanwhile, Turkey, Armenia, and Pakistan have temporarily closed their borders in a bid to prevent the escalation of the deadly virus.

This unpleasant situation is extremely alarming for Pakistan because the virus has reached too close to its borders. Effective measures should be taken with immediate effect. In this regard, Chief Minister Jam Kamal is personally monitoring the prevention measures in Balochistan. The provincial government has imposed an emergency in all bordering districts with Iran with immediate effect. The federal government of Pakistan has assured of providing screening facilities on the border. Two doctors have been deployed at Taftan Border while eight others from Quetta have arrived with eight thermal guns and additional staff is also carrying out the duties.

Since the emergence of the virus in December, coronavirus has claimed 2345 lives in China and 17 in other countries. Even though the exact source of this new strain of virus remains uncertain, however, it is not possible to overcome this deadly epidemic because scientists have not yet fully understood the potential of the virus. Politics is going around the world as United States has blamed Russia for spreading false information about the coronavirus. The US alleged Russia has launched a campaign to defame its identity. After China, the number of confirmed cases in 26 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Lebanon, has increased to 1152.

Pakistan’s government should take the matter seriously instead of merely taking symbolic measures. No one who is affected by the virus should be allowed to enter the country to avert any new disaster.