IN the wake of breakout of Covid-19 (Corona Virus) in China, Pakistani authorities took requisite steps to keep Pakistan safe from this virus. This is because of these steps especially screening of passengers at all the airports coming from China that so far no Corona Virus case has been reported in the country.
However the breakout of virus in Iran where it has so far claimed six lives while eighteen others have been tested positive, Pakistan is faced with a tough challenge to stop its transfer from the neighbouring country. Thousands of people daily travel between Pakistan and Iran using border crossing points and non-availability of screening equipment at these points poses a great risk and we really cannot afford any sort of negligence. In the better interest of public health, we will recommend that these crossing points should immediately be closed until all necessary arrangements are put in place for screening of travellers at the entry points. Security should be further heightened at these points to avoid any illegal entry.
Our healthcare system is already in dilapidated condition and we are in no position to treat Covid-19 patients. Thus prevention is the only course left for us. For this, federal and all provincial governments should provide all necessary resources to Balochistan especially healthcare staff for proper screening of travellers at border crossing points. We are confident that our Iranian friends will also be forthcoming and will take all requisite steps to avoid the spread of Covid-19.
