Coronavirus in Pakistan

Safety Message for the Academic Community in Pakistan: The Health Ministry has confirmed the first two cases of the respiratory illness COVID-19 (also known as novel coronavirus) in Pakistan. While the Government announcement suggests that the Ministry is in control of the situation, there is a need for universities to redouble their efforts to safeguard the health of their students, faculty, and staff. Since the virus spreads through human contact, universities are particularly vulnerable.  HEC had already issued prudential guidelines in this regard, including a request to designate a senior officer as the focal point for all matters pertaining to the control of the virus and to share widely the information provided periodically by the Health Ministry. University communities have expressed several concerns because of the speculation around the various unknowns and uncertainties regarding the spread of this virus. Universities are requested acce...