Pakistan’s federal government has decided to lift the ban on the export of textile masks and sanitizers. This is a reflection of Pakistan’s successful policy to contain COVID-19 in a situation when the developed countries have succumbed to it. But will the government be able to satisfy the Supreme Court of Pakistan about its successful policy?

This was decided in a meeting of the National Command and Opera¬tion Centre (NCOC), working under the Nati¬onal Coordination Committee. He stated the decision will help boost the country’s exports by meeting the demand for these products within the international market.

The export of all types of surgical masks and sanitizers was banned at the start of the coronavirus outbreak in the country. Though there was no export ban on washable cloth masks, mainly used as anti-dusk pollution masks, but customs authorities were not allowing such exports.

The adviser said that the commerce ministry will issue further clarification with reference to the export of the products. He reiterated that surgical masks and N-95 masks which are in short supply within the local market, will not be exported.

It is worth noting that Pakistan Young Pharmacist Association (PYPA) has recently submitted an application to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in which they alleged that 20 million face masks were smuggled out of Pakistan in connivance with government officials.