TAFTAN, a small dusty town in Balochistan, is in the news. Its remote location on the border between Pakistan and Iran is at the centre of the outcry over the appalling conditions hundreds of returning Pakistani pilgrims had to face when they were put in quarantine to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The poor arrangements drew sharp criticism from all quarters, as a large number of infections resulting in the health emergency in other provinces that has been traced to persons who were confined to the camp in Taftan. The federal government has the primary responsibility for this grievous lapse.

Shireen Gul Rahim
Lahore

Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2020

Opinion

Editorial

Hasty transition
Updated 05 May, 2024

Hasty transition

Ostensibly, the aim is to exert greater control over social media and to gain more power to crack down on activists, dissidents and journalists.
One small step…
05 May, 2024

One small step…

THERE is some good news for the nation from the heavens above. On Friday, Pakistan managed to dispatch a lunar...
Not out of the woods
05 May, 2024

Not out of the woods

PAKISTAN’S economic vitals might be showing some signs of improvement, but the country is not yet out of danger....
Rigging claims
Updated 04 May, 2024

Rigging claims

The PTI’s allegations are not new; most elections in Pakistan have been controversial, and it is almost a given that results will be challenged by the losing side.
Gaza’s wasteland
04 May, 2024

Gaza’s wasteland

SINCE the start of hostilities on Oct 7, Israel has put in ceaseless efforts to depopulate Gaza, and make the Strip...
Housing scams
04 May, 2024

Housing scams

THE story of illegal housing schemes in Punjab is the story of greed, corruption and plunder. Major players in these...