Pakistan, Feb. 20 -- As hospitals in Karachi are overwhelmed with influenza cases and a widespread viral outbreak in Punjab prolongs post-infection symptoms, Pakistan is facing a pressing dual health crisis that cannot be ignored.

While the Sindh Health Department has directed district authorities to implement containment measures, the Punjab government has yet to announce relevant policies. Without prompt intervention, vulnerable groups-children, the elderly, and those with underlying conditions-will suffer the most.

Understandably, there's nothing new in such outbreaks (the influenza pandemic has long topped the list of global threats to health). Still, this year's influenza season is particularly severe, influenced by poor vaccine co...