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Week 13 - We begin the week in Pakistan where hopes are high but expectations are low

Edited BY


G P Kennedy

 We are in Week 13 of tracking the personal stories and national pictures of our Storytellers around the world. Many countries that acted quickly and decisively, then stuck to a plan, are experiencing very low numbers of cases and deaths from COVID-19. Sadly, others were slower and more equivocal in their reactions and as a result many countries' citizens are suffering. Russia, Brazil, USA, India and Pakistan are among the places where the virus seems to be winning the battle while a war still rages.


Tassy - Karachi, Pakistan


 Here in Pakistan cases continue to peak with no end in sight. In a measly effort to combat the virus, the federal government decided to impose what they called ‘smart lockdown’ of selected areas where there was an unprecedented rise in cases within cities. This plan completely flopped as rules weren’t enforced and people continued with their business as usual. What has also been alarming is the news that international flights, which resumed only last week, suspended all operations in and out of Pakistan from yesterday.

 

 Apparently a number of Pakistanis tested positive when they reached their final destinations overseas, and the airlines were fined heavily as a result. This has added a new conundrum to my life. My daughter who attends university in Toronto is scared she will not be able to return back when classes resume in September. So we wait with bated breath to see what happens next. We are considering sending her off early as soon as flights resume operations, so as to avoid any uncertainties and changes in future.

 In other news on the personal front, my dad who was diagnosed with COVID in early June, got retested and still came out as being positive. The doctor is confident that the contagious stage is over, but to be on the safe side he extended his quarantine in his room.  It is his 79th birthday on Monday and I am determined to make it special for him so have invited my parents over for dinner. Both have been self-quarantining at home for almost a month since my dad was diagnosed. Hopefully this will be a well-deserved celebration.

 I started going for walks with a friend along the seafront promenade which has now become pedestrianized. I have also been busier this week with my own work, with more of my students resuming virtual yoga classes. I also have a brave and determined student who has been coming to my studio daily for a full class with both of us distanced, and in masks. It has taken a little getting used to doing yoga with a mask on, but I’m of the firm belief that where there is a will there is a way.

 Just five months ago the idea of virtual classes would have been practically nonexistent. Not only am I conducting them successfully now but my daughter who is a classical dancer had a second successful virtual live dance performance.


Mask wearing in Karachi
 

 It is indeed quite remarkable how she has managed to choreograph new dance pieces, learn and polish her dance virtually with her teacher based in Singapore. Access to dance classes virtually has literally given her an opportunity to cover more ground in these few months than what physical classes would have taken her literally a year or more to do.

 The situation in the country continues to look grim, but we continue to look for meaning in our lives and make the best of what this period of ‘isolation’ has given us. Creativity in figuring out how best to manage the situation is crucial to maintain ones sanity, productivity and level of happiness. 

 

 

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