Impact of Covid-19 on developing country like Pakistan

“When I give food to poor they call me a saint.When I ask why poor have no food they call me a communist” (Dom Helder Camara)

Covid-19 is a truly global problem,this viral infection reached almost every country of the world leaving its devastating effects that would be remebered until the doomsday.

Super powers like China,USA,France,Russia and UK experienced the worse hits of corona virus,stock exchanges were badly shaken resulting hunderds of companies to permanent closure.

One barrel of oil recorded to be cheaper than monthly Netflix subscription,companies were offering $37 on purchase of every barrel of oil.Oil market never observed such negative trend in oil trading

Pakistan is badly effected by Covid-19 and things are getting worse by each passing day.Hundreds of new infected patients are being reported as death toll touches 564(present).Pakistan’s majority population is living under poverty line and to support such a large population World Bank in response to Covid-19 issued grant to Pakistan.The Project is financed from the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s concessional credit window for developing countries, in the amount of $200 million, of which $100 million is provided through the World Bank Group’s COVID-19 Fast-Track Facility. The extra $38 million financing is repurposed from existing projects and will support federal and provincial governments in purchasing necessary equipment and supplies. Procurement is underway and some equipment and supplies have arrived and being put to service.While IMF approves $1.386 billion to support economy and fight against corona.

Now the point rises that where Government is spending these huge amounts?Do penurious class(which is almost 30–40% of total population)is benefited?Do medical workers that are fighting against Covid-19 are equipped with proper gears?The answer to these questions is no.Prime Minister Imran Khan announced “Ehsaas Emergency Fund”.According to Government US$ 1.15 Billion will be distributed among 12 million families but apparently this fund is going through unjust distribution of money.

The whole world is struggling to get rid of this deadly virus and for this sake total lockdowns are imposed which seems to be most smart solution to fight this pandemic situation.Countries that fully observed lockdowns are now lifting them up step-by-step to monitor the outcome.

Pakistani Government has decided to culminate the lockdown in country despite of increasing corona cases.Govt spokesman states that “70 million people will drop below the poverty line if lockdown is not lifted”.Senior members of Pakistan Medical Association(PMA)appealed the government not to terminate the lockdown as medical facilities of nation are not well enough to support large number of patients and as a result infection toll can be increased by 150–200%.

Supreme Court of Pakistan took suo moto to inquire about the measures taken by Government against corona virus,CJP said in his remarks that “The Govt is just calling in meetings whereas no work is being done on ground”.