Corona Pandemic: Fear and Challenges in Gujrat, Pakistan

Abstract

The biggest health disaster of the 21st century hit the world in Nov-2019 in the Hubei Province of China. The present study focused on the role of socio-cultural practices in the COVID-19 spread. Further geographical mobility discussed as a reason for the spread. It is a qualitative study based on observations, key informants interviews, and desk research. The study revealed three main elements that bring Coronavirus to Gujrat, return of migrant laborers, and pilgrimages, especially from Iran and Saudi Arabia. The paper highlights the role of law enforcement agencies in the implementation of government policies to control the Corona spread. The role of religious institutions carries a significant value as paper research shows how people used the Mosques to get spiritual strength. The study founds that local socio-cultural practices became a major factor behind the high number of Corona cases in Gujrat. Cultural practices and facetious attitudes play a supporting role to spread COVID19 in Gujrat.