By Ajmal Khan Yousafzai
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday has reported nine deaths from novel coronavirus while the total number of cases have surged to 1130 as 421 patients have been tested positive for the epidemic in Sindh, 131 in Balochistan, 405 in Punjab, 123 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 85 in Gilgit-Baltistan, 25 in Islamabad and one in Azad Kashmir.
According to details, total number of patients who have recovered is 21.
Punjab’s Primary and Secondary Healthcare department has confirmed 70 new cases of coronavirus, taking the provincial tally to 405. It has also confirmed one more death from the virus.
The national tally of cases has now risen to 1,190.
According to the department, 207 cases pilgrims in Dera Ghazi Khan, 22 in Multan, 103 people in Lahore, 22 in Gujrat, 8 in Gujranwala, 19 in Jhelum, 12 in Rawalpindi, 3 in Faisalabad, 2 in Mandi Bahauddin, 1 in Narowal, 2 in Mianwali and 1 each in Sargodha, Attock, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan have tested positive for Covid-19.
Pakistan on Thursday reported eight deaths from novel coronavirus while the total number of cases have surged to 1102 as 417 patients have been tested positive for the epidemic in Sindh, 131 in Balochistan, 323 in Punjab, 121 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 84 in Gilgit-Baltistan, 25 in Islamabad and one in Azad Kashmir.
According to details, total number of patients who have recovered is 21.
Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan said that we have to be well-prepared before imposing curfew in the country for the prevention of deadly coronavirus.
While addressing the meeting of parliamentary leaders via video link, the premier said that we would not be able to provide food to the people at their houses due to lack of resources. Decisions taken in fear and anxiety never prove to be right, he added.
PM Imran requested the leaders of all political parties and people of Pakistan to jointly fight against the coronavirus. Will soon announce program for volunteers, he asserted. Federal, provincial govts tight measures to curb coronavirus. Federation and all the provincial governments have tightened the measures to curb the outbreak of coronavirus in the country.
The partial lockdown across the country has continued and security personnel are performing their duties for the safety of the people.
PM Imran announces Rs200 billion economic package, cuts petrol price by Rs15. In an effort to provide economic relief to the already suffering people amid coronavirus outbreak, Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced a major cut in fuel prices and a package of Rs200 billion for the poor people.
Talking to senior media persons in Islamabad, he said that the government will help the poor in difficult times, adding that the impression of a lockdown is being given in the country.
Pakistan Thursday continues to observe partial lockdown to counter the coronavirus pandemic as unnecessary movement outside remains halted across the country. Pakistan Army, Rangers, police and other security officials have been deployed across Pakistan and cases are being lodged against those who are violating the lockdown.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah stressed that the global epidemic can be defeated by working together as the province observes fourth day of the lockdown today.
The restrictions in Sindh were Wednesday tightened further as shops were allowed to remain open from 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM only. Medical stores were given exemption from the new restriction while shopping plazas and big markets in Karachi are closed.
Shopping malls, recreational places, private and government offices remain closed in Punjab. Only grocery stores, vegetable markets and milk shops are open in the province amidst deployment of heavy contingents of the police and Pakistan Army.
Partial lockdown in the federal capital is being observed as well as all markets, restaurants and transport are shut down. It has further been decided to keep the metro bus service functional from 08:00 AM to 10:30 AM and from 03:00 PM to 05:30 PM.
It is pertinent here to mention that the implementation of lockdown in Punjab started at 09:00 AM on Tuesday. Inter and intra city movement has been halted whereas social, religious and other gatherings are banned. All small and big markets are closed along with public transport and metro bus service. Pillion riding has been banned. The lockdown will continue till April 7, 09:00 AM.
According to the Punjab Home Department notification, security agencies, health department employees and journalists have been given exemption from the lockdown.
Call centers are allowed to work with fifty percent workers and without any public dealing. Only those government employees are permitted to go outside who possess valid permits.
One person from a family is allowed to visit the market to buy essentials and two persons to buy medicine and grocery. Two individuals are allowed to remain with patient in case of emergency while two persons including a driver are permitted to move outside with disabled people. People are allowed to perform religious rituals such as funeral prayers and burial of the deceased. Welfare organizations like Edhi, Saylani and those who provide free meals remain functional.
Banks have been allowed to operate with limited staff, however, their timings have been reduced from 10:00 AM to 04:30 PM. If any bank employee is tested positive for coronavirus, the branch will be shut down but ATM and online services will not be halted. All bank employees are directed to keep their CNIC and employment card with them.
Balochistan will remain under lockdown till April 7 and the provincial government has barred unnecessary movement. Markets and public transport in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also shut as people have been directed by the government to isolate themselves at homes.
Pakistan Army has been deployed across the country after the lockdown. The interior ministry said in its notification that the civil administration had requested for the army’s help. Contingents of Pakistan Army are performing duties in Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.
