Threat of Omicron 

The rapid spread of Corona variant Omicron is ringing alarm bells across the world while Pakistan is no exception for this deadly pandemic. Reportedly, it has taken barely two weeks from the initial testing of ‘patient zero’, before potentially the entire globe is readying itself to examine COVID test samples to see if they contain the Omicron variant. There is every possibility that patients would be tested positive with Omicron virus in Pakistan which was first found in Africa, prompting other states to impose a travel ban on six African countries. The government has already expressed its inability to stop the deadly variant from spreading in the country. The only thing that can deter the deadly virus variant is vaccination. So, hope lies only in getting vaccinated as soon as possible. Pakistan is a developing country with fragile health infrastructure.

Recurrent contagious diseases like initial waves of COVID-19 and Dengue virus have exacerbated the situation and exposed the vulnerability of the country’s healthcare system. Besides healthcare system, every sphere in life is badly affected due to the pandemic. Almost all state and industry functions become stagnant as soon as any pandemic grips the country. From business to education, all activities come to a halt, leaving a large population to become victim of various crises. At a time when the governments were easing restrictions in various fields, the new threat of this COVID strain has cautioned the world not to be complacent. Therefore, every individual needs to take this new threat of Omicron seriously and never rely only on one’s immune system. While the state’s commitment to fighting the pandemic is encouraging, it is not enough to just initiate vaccination drives and there has to be a campaign to spread awareness about the disease. The government and people from all walks of life must do their part in the war against Corona pandemic. It is time for Pakistan to take a firm stand against this debilitating disease and all those who wish to derail the efforts to eradicate it.