ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to review Pakistan’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic and to weave a cohesive narrative that goes beyond the death and infection numbers. It will analyse the response of the Pakistan government and discuss the ‘hidden narrative’ behind the numbers. By hidden narrative we mean that public as well as the media are not interrogating many of the issues that could have long-term impacts on the social and economic outcomes for the country. Our argument is based on the idea that public consciousness aroused through issues strongly highlighted in the traditional and social media spurs action and public policy, especially in societies where institutions are weak (Schudson, 2002; Shanahan et al., 2008). We present several areas of growing concern which have not been adequately addressed or received enough attention even after 20 months into the COVID pandemic. These issues could have a potentially severe impact on Pakistani society and the economy in the long run. The chapter is organized as follows: first it presents a brief socio-economic background of the country. Then it presents the Pakistani government’s response to the COVID crisis. The chapter then explores various elements within the economy and society of Pakistan that are under stress due to the virus. These elements which are behind this hidden narrative, unless taken seriously, could potentially have long term and far-reaching implications for the stability of the country.
