The Pakistan government's lifting of a nationwide lockdown in May has led to a spike in COVID-19 cases, with August expected to see another surge due to public disregard for precautions during religious festivities and ceremonies. The rising infection rates could overwhelm ill-equipped health systems and hinder economic recovery, potentially leading to public anger and social unrest. The federal government should guide provinces on pandemic policy and help reinforce their health systems, while also allowing them to devise their own local strategies guided by medical experts. It should work with the parliamentary opposition on its response, particularly on providing a safety net to vulnerable parts of society.
