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