-Country-wide tally 2,007 mark as 26 reported dead
-Cabinet informed of 33% local transmission
-Testing capacity limitation causing concern
-Opposition terms Government measures inadequate
By Ajmal Khan Yousafzai
ISLAMABAD: The confirmed coronavirus cases in Pakistan has reached 2,007, according to the National Command and Control Centre.
According to the report, there are 708 cases in Punjab, 676 in Sindh, 253 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 158 in Balochistan, 58 in Islamabad, 154 in Gilgit Baltistan and six cases in Azad Kashmir.
The number of patients recovered from the virus stands at 57, whereas, 25 Pakistanis lost their lives and 11 remain critical in different hospitals, according to the national dashboard.
61 new cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) were detected in Sindh on Tuesday morning. Sindh Minister for Health and Population Welfare Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho said so far 294 cases of COVID-19 have been tested positive in Karachi, with 45 new cases. 57 in Hyderabad and two cases were reported in Jamshoro and one in Jacobabad.
The minister said out of 627 cases 41 have fully recovered and discharged from the hospitals.
The province has conducted a total of 5,945 tests.
Sources said that District South of the Sindh capital Karachi was affected most by the virus as at least 56 patients tested positive for COVID-19. Most of the cases were reported in Civil Line area of the district.
30 out of 56 patients have travel history, whereas, 26 cases were locally transmitted and six persons have recovered from the virus. Moreover, five cases each have emerged in Garden and Sadar areas and one in Aram Bagh. Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting
Firdous Ashiq Awan on Tuesday said that there are 1865 coronavirus cases in the country of which 33 percent are due to local transmission of the virus, media reported.
Addressing a press briefing on the federal cabinet meeting, the special assistant said that the cabinet discussed a six-point agenda and the premier took the members in to confidence over measures taken to control the virus. She said that of the total virus cases, 49 percent came from Iran and 18 percent from other countries. “Till to date, 25 people lost their lives due to this infection while 58 has recovered from it,” she said.
The special assistant said that the cabinet has approved a Rs 1200 billion economic relief package to help the economy that suffered losses due to the virus outbreak. “The prime minister wants to safeguard the interests of the common man and poor segments of the society during the time of pandemic,” she said. Awan said that the National Coordination Committee decided to allow movement of goods transport during lockdown, however, the decision was unfortunately not implemented in Sindh province.
“We are facing problems in Sindh province due to administrative challenges and the prime minister has directed Rangers to ensure movement of goods transport aimed at unabated supply of essential food items to parts of the country.” She further said that the prime minister has also taken notice of mistreatment of coronavirus patients and directed the officials to not treat them as criminals.
“The cabinet also gave its nod to issue Sukuk bonds for three years,” Firdous Ashiq Awan said adding that it would allow the government to tackle the situation due to the virus outbreak and also strengthen Islamic banking. She further said that provision of cash amounts to needy people will be made in a transparent manner using technology. “Political leadership and lawmakers shall oversaw the procedure in their respective areas,” the special assistant said adding that the cabinet approved all the decisions taken at the ECC meeting.
She further said that the prime minister asked the federal authorities to work with the provinces to bring a uniform labour policy and register all labourers in order to safeguard their interests. The prime minster also directed to initiate E-reforms programme in railways, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). On Tuesday, Prime Minister Imran Khan announced establishment of youth force and public fund during his address to the nation to fight coronavirus pandemic across Pakistan. PM Imran Khan said the world is fighting a war against coronavirus pandemic and Pakistan is also resisting the spread of the virus by utilising all available resources. PM Khan said Corona Relief Tiger Force will be comprised of young doctors, drivers and people from any field which would be utilised to provide food and essential commodities to the areas likely to face lockdown. The force will also guide people for self-isolation inside their houses.
61 new cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) were detected in Sindh on Tuesday, taking the total number of cases to 627 in Sindh province, media reported. Sindh Minister for Health and Population Welfare Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho said so far 294 cases of COVID-19 have been tested positive in Karachi, with 45 new cases. 57 in Hyderabad and two cases were reported in Jamshoro and one in Jacobabad. The minister said out of 627 cases 41 have fully recovered and discharged from the hospitals.
The province has conducted a total of 5,945 tests. A spokesperson for the Sindh Health Department confirmed Monday that a person died of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Karachi today, bringing the provincial number of deaths from the deadly disease to six.
