RAYYAN BAIG The Coronavirus has shocked and baffled the entire world. It has effaced the difference between poor and rich or developed and no developed countries. All are equally struggling to fight this affliction; none other than China, to some extent, has been able to “Take the Bull by the Horns”. The abundance of resources, advanced technologies and connoisseurs have also failed to make the difference, rather the developed countries are, so for, the hardest hit. The old World Order has melted, the life style and priorities in life have changed and survival not the luxury has become the priority for all and sundry. None has been able to give the timeline of the end of this nuisance or the extent of the loss world would suffer, financial and loss of lives, and effect on the future World Order, but only the conjectures. The World tycoons and business czars are struggling to survive and finding it difficult to meet their ends meet. There is uncertainty and despondency all around, the people, world over, are confined to their homes mostly with no jobs and can foresee the shattering of their dreams.They have all the reasons to suffer from the depression, especially those who fall prey to Coronavirus or having any loved one suffering from the same. No country can fight Coronavirus till the time the entire nation gets united and strictly follows the government’s instructions, as displayed by Chinese. Pakistani nation has, in the past, always achieved the feat of defeating the odds and succeeding against devastating earthquakes, floods or IDPs crisis etc, by uniting together as a nation. Having no activity to pass their time people mostly stick to TV screens for some entertainment and hope for some good news. Unfortunately, so for not a single encouraging news has been received from any quarter, rather Pakistani channels have added to their anxiety. The evening talk shows mostly make firebrand politicians sit in their programs who serve to widen the gap between the followers of different political parties instead of uniting them at this critical juncture. The anchors also stir those issues which don’t let the opposing politicians come closer, even if they want to. T h e governments,world over, have given some solace to their people by announcing relief packages as per their capacities.The Pakistani Government has also announced arelief package of 1.25 trillion rupees or 8 billion US dollars. Though this amount seems to be peanuts as compared to the relief package given by the US, but it is the biggest ever relief package announced by any government in Pakistan. Probably the government couldn’t afford better under the state of economy it inherited, whichhas remained in tatters for decades. Unfortunately, in Pakistan very meager resources have been allocated for the health sector, as those who matter don’t like to get treated from public hospitals. The powerful people in the government preferred to get treated from abroad on the hard earned public money. As a result, the poor medical facilities in the country were not at all equipped to face a mammoth challenge posed by the Coronavirus. When the news of the spread of Coronavirus came the ventilators, which are the most essential link in the fight against this virus, in Pakistan could be counted on fingers. The present government has been running from “pillar to post” to acquire the much needed ventilators and other essential equipment. It’s also doing whatever is possible to look after the poor and destitute people. However, the government alone can’t fight, without the wholehearted participation from all the segments of the society. It’s high time that we shun our differences and get united as a nation for a common cause. A few journalists, especially from electronic media, politicians and others who love to remain in limelight may have some mercy on the nation by avoiding controversial issues, at least for the time being, which divide/ demoralize the nation.
