This week in our Special Report, we take a break from local coverage of coronavirus and shift our focus to Pakistanis living or stranded abroad on account of the ongoing pandemic that continues to rage on across the globe. As the global death toll continues to rise with at least 172, 000 deaths reported by the WHO till Thursday evening, the sheer magnitude of the impact has left governments, healthcare systems and infrastructure across the globe scrambling. It is precisely because of this that it becomes essential to take into account the many stories that appear to be overshadowed by the immediate horror that comes with statistics of deaths and infections.

According to official figures, approximately 43,000 Pakistanis are stranded across the world. While the government of Pakistan has resolved to bring them back, it continues to struggle with increasing its ability to offer accurate and efficient testing and sufficient quarantine facilities to these citizens on arrival back home.

These are challenging times. Resolve alone would not bring relief or comfort. But we must also bear in mind that these unprecedented circumstances are challenging the best of economies and the most resourceful of welfare states. Coherent policies, along with transparency and empathy, are always needed in resolving human crises.

Our contributors and journalists in various parts of the world share with us stories of Pakistanis who are away from home. In this edition, we share their fears and hopes, challenges as well as pleas for help. From small businesses run by Pakistani-Americans and proud Pakistani communities in various cities and towns across Italy to stranded citizens surviving in difficult circumstances in the US, China and the Gulf, we tell their stories in our Special Report.