PAKISTAN’S PANDEMIC RESPONSE: AN OVERVIEW OF THE FIRST WAVE OF COVID-19

Abstract

Pakistan registered its first COVID-19 related deaths in last week of February 2020.  South Asia as a region remained considerably affected by the deadly pandemic with countries like India, Iran and Bangladesh registering a high rate of fatalities and alarming rise in positive cases. Initial impact of the disease on Pakistan was quite severe and with a weak economy and broken public health system, it was anticipated that Pakistan might not be able to withstand the economic, social and psychological impact of the pandemic. However, the Pakistan government adopted the whole-of-the-nation approach by integrating its well-organized military institution along with other state and civilian institutions and tackled the pandemic proactively. The paper, using the Explanatory Case Study technique, analyses Pakistan’s dynamic response mechanism from February to October 2020, referred to as “First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic”. The conclusions show that Pakistan orchestrated a coherent response mechanism by creating an effective governance structure, integrating multiple institutions, resorting to smart lockdowns, taking pro-poor economic measures and converting the challenges into opportunities by making indigenous COVID-19 related medical innovations through research universities. Capacity building of testing facilities, protective equipment and specialized patient care coupled with awareness through effective media campaigns paid rich dividends. Implementation of coordinated and effective response measures not only restricted the disease spread but also helped in sustaining the fragile economy of the country.