World Politics Review - Analysis of International Affairs and News Update
According to NCOC officials, Covid-19 may have peaked in Pakistan between June 15 and June 20. Statistics paint a vivid picture. At this peak, the positivity rate was hovering around 23 percent. This means that for every hundred people tested, 23 were positive. This week the rate is 7pc. There are other data that show mid-June as the worst point since the first patient was diagnosed on Feb 26.
On June 20 — which is considered the maximum occupancy day in hospitals across the country — the number of patients on Low Flow oxygen was 1,749 and on High Flow oxygen 1,217. (This definition was created to get a sense of those less sick and those more so. Low Flow is up to 5 litres of oxygen per minute. High Flow is from 5 to 15 liters.) Compare this with the data a month later on July 21: patients on Low Flow oxygen were 458, on High Flow oxygen 762.
Here’s another data comparison to show how much the situation has improved since the mid-June peak: On June 20, patients on ventilator beds were 549. On July 21, the figure had come down to 261.
To take advantage of regional developments, Pakistan will need some deft diplomacy. Regional integration can help this country and its neighbors economically and politically if proper planning is done. The US must be told that while Pakistan values its relationship with America, Islamabad cannot isolate itself regionally by alienating neighbors with whom Washington does not get on.
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