First coronavirus jab administered in Pakistan
Pakistan
Tue, Feb 02, 2021
Prime Minister Imran Khan supervising the first coronavirus shot as Pakistan kicks off its vaccination drive, on February 2, 2021. INP
The first coronavirus vaccine was administered in Pakistan on Tuesday, given to a healthcare worker in Islamabad.
Prime Minister Imran Khan kicked off the vaccination drive, reminding the people to continue to exercise precautions.
The first shot was given under the supervision of the prime minister, his adviser on health Dr Faisal Sultan, and National Command and Operations Centre chief Asad Umar. The more you abide by coronavirus safety measures, the easier it will be to protect everyone from the virus, said PM Imran Khan, addressing a gathering to mark the occasion.
By Misbah Saba Malik and Liu Tian | Xinhua | Updated: 2021-02-01 11:10 Share CLOSE A staff member displays a sample of the COVID-19 inactivated vaccine at a vaccine production plant of China National Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd (Sinopharm) in Beijing, capital of China, April 10, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua]
Amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic, the vaccine aid provided by China to Pakistan is another testament to the traditional friendship between the two countries.
With over half a million cases and more than 11,000 deaths, Pakistan is struggling against the second wave of the deadly coronavirus.
The pandemic has affected people from all walks of life, especially teachers and students.
A system to ensure the free flow of information is almost always helpful. Reuters/File
Thanks to the Chinese donation, Pakistan will hopefully kick-start a Covid-19 vaccination drive this week, administering half a million doses to public healthcare workers, signalling the beginning of the end of the deadly virus a year after the first case was reported in the country.
A deal to source 10m more doses from China has also been reported. Citing dangers of corruption and a lengthy public procurement process, the government has granted licences to half a dozen private companies to import vaccines. But in the absence of clear pricing policies, confusion clouds the path ahead.