Covid-19 has been harsh for everyone. It affected all the people in the world no matter which country or religion you belong to. The same is true if we talk about Pakistan and its people.
Covid-19 first struck Pakistan in February 2020. The number of cases and positive ratio were not that high at that time, but fear was there looming large. However, the positive cases in European countries and the USA were growing at an exponential rate. Therefore, the government of Pakistan started to mold its policies and released SOPs to prevent further spread in its country.
Including that phase, Pakistan has gone through 3 waves of Covid-19 pandemic.
- The first outbreak of the pandemic took place in Mid-March where we’ve seen almost an average of 4000+ cases every day. Given the situation and to prevent the outbreak, the government took immediate steps. The situation got under control in Mid-August when active cases and positivity ratio were shallowing gradually.
- The second spike of covid patients was witnessed in October 2020. However, the second wave was not that acute if we compare it with the first wave. Still, the government took steps to prevent the spread as daily cases were rising. There was a decline in the spread at the end of December 2020.
- The third wave (current phase of Pakistan) is considered more severe than the first and second wave. The number of active cases and deaths were recorded to be greater than ever before due to covid-19. The wave was foreseen because of the rising spread in India (neighboring country). The cases again started to rise in March 2021 where the country has recorded more than 5000 daily cases and 100+ deaths. The health officials have warned the public that the third wave could be more dangerous. Due to such reasons, the government again made it compulsory to follow SOPs and imposed smart lockdowns in cities where the positivity ratio was more than 10%. The third wave of the pandemic is the present situation of the virus spread in Pakistan.
From the beginning, it has been a bumpy ride if we talk about the spread in the country. It has affected the education system, traditional trading, the country’s overall economy, and has affected the people’s social life to a great extent.
Today, we’ll be discussing what changes Pakistan has gone through since the first outbreak in the country.
Changes in the Education System of Pakistan
One of the most affected systems by the pandemic is the Education system in the country. Every single life is important and for the safety of everyone, in each wave of covid, the education ministers ordered the immediate closure of schools and universities to prevent the spread.
During the closures, some schools carried on their study via online methods while other classes’ studies were stopped completely. The universities in that situation shifted to online even the exams took place online in the first wave of covid.
Such circumstances brought many challenges for students as well as for institutes. We all know that online learning is not that efficient as physical learning. Medical and Engineering universities found it hard to maintain the learning process and education quality. Also, it is very difficult for students to suddenly shift to online learning when they haven’t had that experience ever before.
Since the first outbreak, the closure and opening of educational institutes have become frequent.
An assistant processor from International Islamic University has surveyed to find out what challenges the country is facing in terms of education in these difficult times.
The survey was,
She designed a quantitative study to explore the impact of Covid-19 on the education of higher-level students in the context of Pakistan. The designed questionnaire was provided to the learners that are enrolled in intermediate, undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels. Almost 74 respondents respond to the questionnaire by which she organized and concluded some results.
Their responses were analyzed through SPSS 23. The results from their responses revealed that students have been facing a lot of difficulties grasping certain concepts during e-classes, especially in technical courses or programs. There are many cases when the students lacked or have weak internet access along with not been given any prior guidance related to the usage of the online platform as they are completely new to this form of learning. The teachers as well as the students, both faced challenges in e-learning at the same time. It was also concluded that although teachers are providing all the necessary resources and feedback to the students, still students have been going through difficulties in grasping the concept, gaining knowledge, and communicating with their teachers online. Due to the immense number of online classes teachers have a huge workload on their part. In short, the online learning process cannot be a permanent solution for a long time as it will really hurt the quality of the education but we know that education cannot wait either.
Affected Economy of the Country
To be honest, Pakistan has always had a fragile economy since its independence. It only just started to become stable when the global health crisis struck the country badly. The experts also predicted that the situation will halt the economic growth of the country which is proved to be true with time.
So far, Pakistan has registered nearly 840,000 cases of the coronavirus and almost over 18,000 deaths due to the virus. When the first wave slowed down, during an interview, President Arif Alvi celebrated and congratulated the nation for its victory against the pandemic. The president said that the government successfully saved the country’s poorest from the financial impact of the pandemic but who knows that it will strike again and again.
The government is continuously working in a very precise way so that they can prevent the spread and also prevent the poor from getting affected because of the lockdown. This is the reason why they have imposed “Smart Lockdowns” in only affected cities of the country. Also, the Prime Minister started a program named “Ehsaas” with the motto of “No one will sleep with an empty stomach”. The main intention of the program is to feed needy people in these crucial times when they are also unable to earn money for food.
There’s no doubt that the pandemic has a devastating effect on the economy of Pakistan. The former director of the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE), Zafar Moti warned, “Pakistan’s economy is shrinking, unemployment is rising and various sectors are in crisis,”. He also told in an interview that he is not worried about Pakistan’s financial markets but much disturbed about the long-term impact of the pandemic on the country’s economy.
As we all know that Pakistan’s exports primarily comprise textile and agricultural goods.
The exports ratio of the country is going down since the pandemic hit and also some orders from various countries even got canceled. Moti said, “All of this will negatively impact foreign reserves and ultimately the currency value”. Small, medium, and even large businesses are affected by the situation.
The experts revealed that the financial market is now starting to sink because it’s been a year when the traders and businesses are not operating freely. Everything works on demand and supply rules, when people don’t need goods how can industries boost their revenues?
According to stats, Pakistan’s GDP growth was around 5.8% in 2018 when Imran Khan took power. Now it is 0.98% and is more likely to decline further because of the health crisis.
To prevent the spread, certain measures like lockdowns, travel restrictions, and social distancing imposed by the government. These measures have been thoroughly analyzed to determine how they impacted the livelihoods of nearly 7.15 million workers. At the same time, according to the reports, a rise of 33.7% of the poverty level is projected during the pandemic crisis.
Impact of Covid-19 on Psychological and Mental Health of Citizens
The following are some measures taken by the government and also made compulsory for every affected country by the UN.
- To provide the basic and essential health services available to those in need to protect the overall health system
- To ensure social protections and to supply basic services and food security, the government should help the ones in need
- Jobs, small- and medium-sized enterprises should be supported in these times and also help the vulnerable workers who work on daily wages
As we all see the mental health sufferings due to COVID-19 across the country. The constantly imposed lockdown is creating panic, fear, a sense of insecurity, and stress among the people. With the increased spread of the virus in Pakistan, people now prefer to stay at home in quarantine and self-isolation. All these things result in physical and psychological pressure. Also, so many people have lost their jobs and they are in seriously intense conditions about financial problems.
People are afraid due to the impacts of the pandemic in Pakistan as the death toll is increasing every day. In addition to that, the fear of covid-19 is somehow leading to suicidal incidents in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India. It is reported that over 25 suicide cases linked with COVID-19 are reported in Pakistan so far. Out of these 7 were confirmed and the other 4 were suspected, COVID-19 patients. Experts predicted that the mental health and psychological issues in Pakistan are becoming a serious problem and it will remain even after the covid-19.
According to a survey, the experts found a high percentage of up to 41.2% of poor well-being among the Pakistani general population. They also evaluated the risk factors of poor well-being which included female gender, being resident of ICT and Sindh, unemployment, fear, chronic illness, and the absence of coping strategies. This indicates the alarming situation in Pakistan so certain measures should be taken by the government to start mass psychological support programs to improve the mental health of the population during the COVID-19 crises.
How Pakistan is Reshaping itself
With the spread of the nasal virus in the country, the health department has undergone many developments not only at the treatment site but also at the disease prevention end by following strict rules.
In Pakistan, the public health system is hindering the relevant national instruments to stop the rapidly increasing rates of the recent pandemic. The health agencies have explained that biological threats not only impact mental and environmental health but also have some serious effects on the socio-economic sectors.
A conducted study illustrated that the short and long-term effects of the pandemic on the emerging economy, society, and the environment are because of the hype due to pandemic.
It is noted that the COVID-19 spread and the lockdowns have negatively impacted the overall GDP growth in Pakistan. It is currently lowering from 3.1 to 2.1%, while the global GDP growth rate is expected to decline from 3.0 to 2.7%. It is because of the issues like the local disruption of supply chains and national markets, employment layoffs, poverty hike, discontinuity of formal education of almost 45 million students, and increased food prices are critical predominant challenges for the Government of Pakistan in these difficult times.
Also, drastic improvements in the air quality index have been observed including urban centers of Pakistan and all around the world as a result of restricted transportation and industrial and agricultural activities which are considered major contributors to environmental pollution.
In short, Pakistan has successfully identified the weak points and also taken some appreciable measures to prevent the spread and also to maintain a regular life-cycle in the country.
It’s a Global Pandemic, Everyone is affected by it
The global pandemic has struck about 210 countries and affected more than 67 million population around the globe and also over 1.5 million deaths across the globe including Pakistan are recorded.
With more than 420,000 infected people and more than 8300 mortalities, community transmission of the coronavirus happened rapidly in Pakistan, considering the population density, health care capacity, existing poverty, and environmental factors.
The Technological Trends in Pakistan
There’s no doubt that new and innovative technologies can change our way of living greatly. If such technologies are used properly, they can improve the way we live, work, and do business in daily life. If they are misused, they can create problems ranging from a small disturbance caused by automated software to a large-scale security breach on an official scale.
The rapid developments and the adoption of emerging technologies in businesses and education are contributing to the digital transformation in Pakistan that slowly started some years ago. And so, year after year industry analysts identify the technology that will improve that will help in shaping and disrupting the businesses in the next coming years.
Emerging Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Programs and Experts
The digital age has arrived and now we are seeing some real progress on this front, even though the progression of Artificial Intelligence has been slow in Pakistan. Technology and IT businesses in Pakistan have exposed the real value in using artificial intelligence that how they can help to analyze information and gain a competitive advantage in dynamically changing industries today. That’s why we have witnessed an exponential increase in the number of online businesses and e-commerce sites in Pakistan(explained later). President Arif Alvi’s initiative on Artificial Intelligence and Computing was started back in 2018 which shows that the country is now beginning to take it seriously and explore the opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence, particularly in the case of Artificial Intelligence.
In the situation of the global pandemic, Artificial Intelligence has huge implications since it is used by the healthcare department to deal with the patients of the pandemic. Pakistan needs to develop programs specifically targeted at harnessing this potential, to progress further and rapidly in the field of AI. Pakistan still has much to do to be able to gain practical advantages by artificial intelligence especially in areas such as healthcare and agriculture where there is an immediate need for technological advancement since PIAIC is a step in the right direction by the country.
Evolution of Gaming and Esports in Pakistan
Gaming and eSports are becoming increasingly popular among Pakistani teenagers, thanks to the different platforms and organizations that help gamers earn a living through this form of sport.
Pakistan eSports, a large-scale E-Gaming organization, has also been developed in the country specifically to provide e-gaming professionals with a proper platform and equipment to enhance their skills and to compete at an international level. The country has developed its first Gaming Arena in Royal Palm Golf and Country Club Lahore.
The Esports industry is growing day by day in Pakistan due to easy access to the internet and computers nowadays. Many eSports championships and professional tournaments are being frequently held in the country in the past decade.
Pakistan’s eSports community also motivates physically challenged people to participate in e-gaming championships to show off their gaming skills to the world. The Esports Pakistan organization has currently more than 3000 active players, and on a regular basis, they participate in different types of Esports activities managed and organized in the country. The officials of Esports in Pakistan also offer significant financial support to the local gaming community and the needy and talented gamers to help with more advanced platforms for the deserving players.
There are a few eSports organizations that are currently working in the country to grow Esports in Pakistan.
Like, Pepsi has hosted its first eSports tournament in Pakistan for a winning prize of Rs 1 million for the game CS: Go.
Another great platform for esports is GameBirdPK. They work to bring forward the gamers in Pakistan to showcase their skills to the public. They frequently organize events, tournaments, and show the gamers to lead their way to up the gaming skills and improve the overall eSports trend in the country.
eCommerce and Amazon
As you all know, Amazon is an emerging e-commerce platform in Pakistan that enables industries, brands, and local sellers to sell their products and earn money.
However, a question arises, how the trend of eCommerce is going in Pakistan?
Recently, Amazon added Pakistan to Amazon’s seller’s list!
Well, two main chains are currently guiding the youth about eCommerce.
Enablers Pakistan
Enablers.pk is a group of professionals that helps entrepreneurs and youth to set up or start their business on Amazon. They encourage Pakistani sellers or interested parties to sell their products on Seattle-based online retail giant, Amazon.
The organization has also trained hundreds of students in online and offline events through step-by-step training about the potentials of selling on Amazon. They are also training students on how to manage or provide Amazon virtual assistant services to international sellers.
an overseas British Pakistani, Saqib Azhar (CEO and Co-founder of Enablers) has more than 15 years of experience in Information & Technology. He also worked as a consultant for companies in the UK, the Middle East, and other parts of the world. He claims, “We’ve spent time re-working, refining, tweaking, and upgrading best practices to make it better than ever. The brand new, never before seen, how to make money with Amazon FBA is the best version yet”.
He, along with his expert team, is now trying to share his experience among the Pakistani sellers to bring a positive change in Pakistan and to encourage them to start their own multi-million online international business on Amazon.
According to an estimate, the e-commerce market in Pakistan is worth $50 million and has grown rapidly after the introduction of 3G/4G telecom technology.
Rumors are circulating that Amazon is keen to enter Pakistan yet this has never been confirmed. But Amazon has hinted that Pakistan will soon be added to its approved countries list. Amazon doesn’t directly ship in Pakistan only 4% of products that you can get at your doorstep.
Many Amazon officials from the US have approached out Pakistani manufacturers to initiate the process of getting Pakistan listed as an approved country to sell from.
Saqib Azhar (CEO and Co-founder Enablers) stated in an interview that,
Extreme eCommerce
Under the administration of Sunny Ali, Extreme eCommerce is another leading Pakistan-based eCommerce platform and ecosystem. Just like enablers Pakistan, it also offers e-commerce consultancy for selling on Amazon to Individuals and businesses in the country.
Extreme Commerce works with its members to start their online business. They are offering free courses to the youth to make them successful and to generate revenue for the country.
Extreme eCommerce was introduced with the vision to make a ‘Billion Dollar Pakistan’.
Proficiency in Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
When blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies were initially introduced, the government banned every Pakistani-based financial services company facilitating any transactions involving digital tokens or cryptocurrencies. At that time, there was a debate over their compatibility with Islamic finance.
We’ve seen an end to the debate as the government is trying to accept the technology and want to integrate it into the systems after seeing its profitable potential.
In early April 2020, the central bank of Pakistan, the State Bank of Pakistan issued a directive to forbid financial services companies that are operating within Pakistan from transactions involving digital coins or cryptocurrencies.
They tried to essentially cut off all the ways for any citizen or cryptocurrency company to make transactions via fiat currency and cryptocurrency by imposing a ban on it. As per their circular, by making a payment directly from a Pakistani bank account or online wallet, no physical or corporate company can buy cryptocurrencies or digital tokens online. In the beginning, the act limits Pakistani entities to deal in cryptocurrency to cryptocurrency and cash to cryptocurrency transactions. They also said it is against the law for having to first transfer money out of the country and make any transaction from abroad.
The State Bank of Pakistan explained the reason for this ban as they want to clip the wings of the cryptocurrency market in Pakistan. They said that digital currencies are not legal tender in the country and no one has been authorized or licensed for the issuance, sale, purchase, exchange, or investment in cryptocurrencies or tokens at the starting point of the cryptocurrency technology. They also cited the considerable risks to consumers.
Their decisive move was because of the high incidence of fraudulent and Ponzi schemes involving cryptocurrencies offered to Pakistani consumers when people are less aware of the technology.
Pakistani residents who try to transfer funds outside the country by the transfer of cryptocurrencies or digitals tokens were also warned that they can face punishment by doing so.
However, The State Bank of Pakistan ban does not completely close the passage to a future regulatory framework being put in place.
Today, people are much aware of the technology and even some universities are offering programs to study blockchain technology. Many experts are now teaching the tech and people are now starting to accept it.
Technology Movement Pakistan
Technology movement Pakistan, run by Waqar Zaka (social influencer) is specifically made to create tech awareness among the youth and to make Pakistan the Kingdom of Technology.
He is currently running a group with more than 30 thousand members in which he shares some tips and tricks about investing in certain cryptocurrencies to earn profits.
He also teaches how to trade in the field of blockchain. The group is one of the biggest cryptocurrency communities in Asia so far.
The number of Freelancers is increasing
As compared to last year, Pakistan has been ranked as the 4th growing freelance market with higher growth in freelance earning according to Forbes Magazine.
In the list of top freelancing countries, the US secured the top position with 78%, UK scored the second position with 59%, Brazil scored the third position with 48%, and Pakistan scored fourth with 47%. Moreover, in Asia, Pakistan became the top country in the freelance markets leaving India, Russia, and Bangladesh behind. According to the reports, around 300,000 Pakistani citizens have Payoneer accounts to withdraw their earnings, earned through providing services to international clients. It is also stated that most of the freelancers in the country are young adults who are trying to start their careers in the freelancing world to make their living.
The growth of the freelancing industry of Pakistan is astonishingly more from nations like Bangladesh, the Philippines, and India.
The reason behind this growth is the low pay rate and high-quality work in regular jobs in the country so the freelancers attract most of the potential clients from all around the world. Today, young adults are trying towards self-employment and limitless earning potential work. Freelancers who have been working since the beginning have now built their own companies and started to hire local freelancers for the work. This depicts that yes, a freelancer can be a millionaire.
Here are some questions that you should ask yourself to evaluate whether or not you’re good for a freelance career before entering into the market.
- Is freelancing the right option for you?
- What can you do as a freelancer?
- What would be your service?
- What would be your strategy to attract clients?
How Pakistan is Linking with Modern Technology
Pakistan is currently making unexpected progress in the world of Information Technology. According to the reports, the IT sector of the country is one of the fastest-growing sectors contributing almost 1% of the GDP of Pakistan at about 3.5 billion USD, doubled in the past four years. The experts also expect it to rise a further 100% in the next two to four years to approximately $7 billion.
The universities with the collaboration of the IT minister of Pakistan are introducing new ways for the youth to learn and earn through technology. Also, the people of Pakistan are now more than ever interested in learning innovative technologies. Moreover, the military sector of Pakistan is using one of the most advanced technological methods in the world.
The above-mentioned are some of the technology trends that are going on in Pakistan and are likely to increase in the coming years. Overall, the future of the country looks bright!