Daily Times

Corona is around. This time it has mutated, jumped few species to reach humans and now showing resistance to every medical treatment known to us. Somehow it has landed in Pakistan and managed to travel up to both the geographical limbs (i.e. Baluchistan and Gilgit-Baltistan). Sandwiched between Iran and China, Pakistan was liable to get infected with the novel virus rampantly threatening humanity around the world. Figures of those infected, are gradually rising around the world while known casualties are enough to enact “apocalyptic” scenes even in most civilized countries; scenes similar to those shown by Hollywood movies in recent past.

In Europe, people are seen waiting outside utility stores in mile long queues to buy food for their storage. Those who manage to reach the commodity shelves are seen clawing each other for some precious supplies such as rolls of toilet paper. In Pakistan the casualties or the affectees of pandemic could not be accurately charted as yet. So our figures remain several times lesser then those which are actual. To be honest even the advanced countries in Americas or Europe could not manage to chart the same so far. So, owing to nature of propagation and unique scenario of pandemic explosion, it would be a tall order for government in Islamabad to take stock of the disease and those infected by it. The government is doing what it can but it will not be an overstatement to say that the virus has psychologically infected entire nation. However, we are a resilient nation with some people amongst us so intelligent who know ways to convert every adversity into a profitable opportunity.

As clueless media has found a new topic other than its mundane topics related to politics, the scare is seen rapidly spreading. It has not only captured our screens but also our minds. We see that the schools are closed, national events cancelled, gathering banned, weddings postponed, airports closed and cricket being played without a crowd. Even the places of worship are closed. On sidelines the virus has also triggered a cautious debate worldwide between the faithful and the atheists. Social media applications and groups therein are sharing tons of data on how to stop the virus. Some are seen sharing excerpts from past publications how people saw this happening near the end of times. From simple formulae involving slices of onions to complex Ayurvedic potions, from NGO published preventive texts to verses of Holy Scriptures, from tips of those in trouble spots in Italy to the unsolicited comments from medical experts, every message on social media is pushing common people towards unimaginable psychological stress. But despite this some people see the deadly virus in a unique way; a great opportunity to make some money.

Being the 117th out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s 2017 Corruption Perception Index, we have all the wherewithal including shabby character to capitalize on the opportunity

With the virus-mania taking over the nation psychologically, surgical masks havesuddenly disappeared from market. Even hospitals found it difficult to grab some cartons as ICUs / CCUs are getting out of this medical necessity. Amongst this deficiency, there are rare placed where masks are being sold, but at a price three times morethan the actual price.Disposable mask gaskets which were imported as high as 55 cents, were now being smuggled out for a cost around 11-12 USDs per box. Along with the surgical masks, the synthetic beads which were used to manufacture the fabric, have also gone missing from market. Hand sanitizers were no longer easily available on the store shelves. So, for some of our countrymen business is going good these days but in days to come corona will make the opportunity even better. The soap and hand wash maker companies will make special advertisements claiming that their products are the best to save lives. Laboratories and hospitals will announce special rates and invite people for special expensive tests. Doctors would find a way to go on strike, once again. What could be a better time to coerce the government for an agreement on their terms? Those who would not go not on strike, would think of increasing their consultancy fees. Well since patients would put the doctors on risk of infection, thus the meager raise is least they should do. Hospitals are also coming up with expensive offers for tests and quarantining services. Meanwhile, media will have loads of footage to report. Reporters with their hard earned masks would remain on screen24/7 creating a hospitable environment for the businesses I mentioned above. Above all grave diggers would be happy too as there will be more opportunities to dig for some earnestly needed money. While this goes on, I doubt if even the burial shrouds will remain available in market in future. Nobody knew that such a blessing corona will become for some people in our country. Repeating the same lemons-to-lemonade trick, when the virus was thrown at us, we made money out it.

Being the 117th out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s 2017 Corruption Perception Index, we have all the wherewithal including shabby character to capitalize on the opportunity. We have both the aptitude as well as the attitude to convert such calamities into opportunities. I am not proud when I say that our very social fabric is knitted with the wool and thread of corruption. As nation we love corruption and have been following such leaders and electing such head of the governments, who weredeclared ineligible to hold office for life by the Courts.We don’t even spare the holiest of duties to make some money. Fromextorting the illegal payouts from travel agents involved in fleecing Hajj pilgrims to capitalizing on drug and pharmacy products, we do not let go any opportunity to make some money. Let us hope that the pandemic remains below our psychological threshold and does not create scenes as seen in Europe. As a nation we should not let the businesses I mentioned above to flourish and show our strength and real resilience to expose and fight corruption which may be trying to capitalize more on our psychological vulnerability than our physical susceptibility.

The writer is a versatile analyst and speaker on contemporary issues