Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, undergoing treatment for COVID-19, on Thursday rubbished as "false news" the reports of his death that appeared on social media.

Qureshi, 64, said he was fine and recovering from COVID-19 infection. Terming the reports of his death as "false news", the foreign minister said it had caused distress among his family and friends.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-fm-rebukes-journalist-who-questioned-him-on-social-distancing-296601">Pak FM rebukes journalist who questioned him on social distancing</a>

"I am fine by the Grace of Allah and recovering from COVID-19," Qureshi was quoted as saying by a Pakistani news channel.

Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui also condemned the attempts by "mischievous elements" to spread rumours on social media about the foreign minister's health.

"We strongly condemn attempts by mischievous elements to hack Wikipedia page of FM @SMQureshiPTI &amp; spread rumours on social media about his health &amp; well-being. By grace of Almighty Allah, FM is recovering fast. Everyone's prayers, from Pakistan &amp; abroad, are deeply appreciated," Farooqui tweeted.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/another-provincial-minister-dies-due-to-coronavirus-in-pakistan-306884">Another provincial minister dies due to coronavirus in Pakistan</a>

Qureshi was reportedly shifted to the Combined Military Hospital in Rawalpindi on Saturday, a day after he tested positive for the coronavirus and went into self-isolation.

Qureshi on Friday announced that he had tested positive for the coronavirus, joining a long list of Pakistani lawmakers who have contracted the deadly virus.

"I have now tested positive for Covid-19. By the grace of Allah, I feel strong and energetic. I will continue to carry on my duties from home. Please keep me in your prayers,? he said in a tweet on July 3.

Earlier, Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) leader and Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications Syed Aminul Haq had tested positive for the coronavirus. A week earlier than that PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said she had tested positive.

Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA Jai Prakash, former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Minister of State for Narcotics Shehryar Afridi and PTI's chief whip in the National Assembly Aamir Dogar have also been diagnosed with COVID-19.

In June, Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Munir Khan Orakzai died, days after recovering from the coronavirus. 
Eight members of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly have also been infected with the coronavirus. National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser was also infected but recovered.&nbsp;

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, undergoing treatment for COVID-19, on Thursday rubbished as "false news" the reports of his death that appeared on social media.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, undergoing treatment for COVID-19, on Thursday rubbished as "false news" the reports of his death that appeared on social media. Qureshi, 64, said he was fine and recovering from COVID-19 infection. Terming the reports of his death as "false news", the foreign minister said it had caused distress among his family and friends. Also read: Pak FM rebukes journalist who questioned him on social distancing "I am fine by the Grace of Allah and recovering from COVID-19," Qureshi was quoted as saying by a Pakistani news channel. Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui also condemned the attempts by "mischievous elements" to spread rumours on social media about the foreign minister's health. "We strongly condemn attempts by mischievous elements to hack Wikipedia page of FM @SMQureshiPTI & spread rumours on social media about his health & well-being. By grace of Almighty Allah, FM is recovering fast. Everyone's prayers, from Pakistan & abroad, are deeply appreciated," Farooqui tweeted. Also read: Another provincial minister dies due to coronavirus in Pakistan Qureshi was reportedly shifted to the Combined Military Hospital in Rawalpindi on Saturday, a day after he tested positive for the coronavirus and went into self-isolation. Qureshi on Friday announced that he had tested positive for the coronavirus, joining a long list of Pakistani lawmakers who have contracted the deadly virus. "I have now tested positive for Covid-19. By the grace of Allah, I feel strong and energetic. I will continue to carry on my duties from home. Please keep me in your prayers,? he said in a tweet on July 3. Earlier, Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) leader and Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications Syed Aminul Haq had tested positive for the coronavirus. A week earlier than that PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said she had tested positive. Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA Jai Prakash, former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Minister of State for Narcotics Shehryar Afridi and PTI's chief whip in the National Assembly Aamir Dogar have also been diagnosed with COVID-19. In June, Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Munir Khan Orakzai died, days after recovering from the coronavirus. Eight members of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly have also been infected with the coronavirus. National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser was also infected but recovered.

COVID-hit Pak FM Qureshi dismisses reports of his death as 'false news'

Not just Line of Actual Control, there are tensions at Line of Control (LoC) too. There have been a number of ceasefire violations by Pakistan in the last few days, not only in the Jammu division but also in the Kashmir valley.

Since June 7, Pakistan has targeted Indian villages and military positions multiple times. There has been unprovoked firing in the sectors of Rampur, Keran and Tangdhar.

There seems to be a pattern behind Pakistan's ceasefire violations. The Pakistani Prime Minister seems to be on the same page as the Chinese president in provoking India.

<a href="Pakistan reports 132 COVID-19 deaths in 24 hours; infections rise to over 165,000">Also read|&nbsp;Pakistan reports 132 COVID-19 deaths in 24 hours; infections rise to over 165,000</a>

Imran Khan promised a 'naya Pakistan'. He vowed to end corruption. The PM&nbsp;positioned himself as a champion of austerity. Most importantly, he swore to serve the people, not the army.

Imran khan became the Prime Minister of Pakistan riding on all these promises. Then, he began complaining about how low his salary was.

He started replacing civilians in his government with army generals. He began adjusting corruption by his ministers, and&nbsp;used relief money to pay his bills.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-mulls-using-dexamethasone-for-critically-ill-patients-as-covid-19-death-toll-tops-3000-306588">Also read|&nbsp;Pakistan mulls using dexamethasone for critically ill patients as COVID-19 death toll tops 3,000</a>

In short, he broke all his promises and his sham of austerity was busted.

His country is on the brink of economic collapse. Pakistan&nbsp;doesn't have enough health supplies to keep up during this pandemic, and the food sector has been crippled.

How has the Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed his&nbsp;remorse at not being able to live up to expectations? By enjoying opulent feasts!

These are not our words, but Pakistani media itself.

According to Pakistan media reports, Imran Khan was served 135 traditional dishes during his visit to Larkana in north-western Sindh.

Pakistan is starving as Imran Khan is feasting.

The most shocking and ironic thing is that his visit was supposed to be a review visit of the functioning of hospitals filled with coronavirus patients, as Sindh is the hardest-hit region in all of Pakistan. However, for Imran Khan, good food is more important.

Reports further claim that atleast 37 protocol vehicles accompanied him on his visit to the city.

All of this amid slashes in Pakistan's budget, and at a time when Imran Khan's allies are deserting him and his government is in troubled waters.

A threat to&nbsp;coalition

Sardar Akhtar Mengal, the chief of the Balochistan National Party has announced to part ways with PTI-led coalition government.

He says the PTI has failed to implement accords with allies, and that agreements and promises made to the people of Balochistan have not been kept.

Imran Khan's coalition had 184 seats in the national assembly. After this announcement,&nbsp;it will be down to 180, which&nbsp;threatens the future of this coalition.

A minimum of 172 seats are required to form a government in Pakistan's national assembly. So, if any other coalition partner pulls out,&nbsp;Imran Khan can face a vote of no confidence in the Pakistan&nbsp;assembly.

Not just Line of Actual Control, there are tensions at Line of Control (LoC) too. There have been a number of ceasefire violations by Pakistan in the last few days, not only in the Jammu division but also in the Kashmir valley.

Not just Line of Actual Control, there are tensions at Line of Control (LoC) too. There have been a number of ceasefire violations by Pakistan in the last few days, not only in the Jammu division but also in the Kashmir valley. Since June 7, Pakistan has targeted Indian villages and military positions multiple times. There has been unprovoked firing in the sectors of Rampur, Keran and Tangdhar. There seems to be a pattern behind Pakistan's ceasefire violations. The Pakistani Prime Minister seems to be on the same page as the Chinese president in provoking India. Also read| Pakistan reports 132 COVID-19 deaths in 24 hours; infections rise to over 165,000 Imran Khan promised a 'naya Pakistan'. He vowed to end corruption. The PM positioned himself as a champion of austerity. Most importantly, he swore to serve the people, not the army. Imran khan became the Prime Minister of Pakistan riding on all these promises. Then, he began complaining about how low his salary was. He started replacing civilians in his government with army generals. He began adjusting corruption by his ministers, and used relief money to pay his bills. Also read| Pakistan mulls using dexamethasone for critically ill patients as COVID-19 death toll tops 3,000 In short, he broke all his promises and his sham of austerity was busted. His country is on the brink of economic collapse. Pakistan doesn't have enough health supplies to keep up during this pandemic, and the food sector has been crippled. How has the Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed his remorse at not being able to live up to expectations? By enjoying opulent feasts! These are not our words, but Pakistani media itself. According to Pakistan media reports, Imran Khan was served 135 traditional dishes during his visit to Larkana in north-western Sindh. Pakistan is starving as Imran Khan is feasting. The most shocking and ironic thing is that his visit was supposed to be a review visit of the functioning of hospitals filled with coronavirus patients, as Sindh is the hardest-hit region in all of Pakistan. However, for Imran Khan, good food is more important. Reports further claim that atleast 37 protocol vehicles accompanied him on his visit to the city. All of this amid slashes in Pakistan's budget, and at a time when Imran Khan's allies are deserting him and his government is in troubled waters. A threat to coalition Sardar Akhtar Mengal, the chief of the Balochistan National Party has announced to part ways with PTI-led coalition government. He says the PTI has failed to implement accords with allies, and that agreements and promises made to the people of Balochistan have not been kept. Imran Khan's coalition had 184 seats in the national assembly. After this announcement, it will be down to 180, which threatens the future of this coalition. A minimum of 172 seats are required to form a government in Pakistan's national assembly. So, if any other coalition partner pulls out, Imran Khan can face a vote of no confidence in the Pakistan assembly.

Broken promises and lavish feasts: Imran Khan disappoints people of Pakistan

Debt-ridden Pakistan is going ahead with its strategic USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project, despite the country's further economic downturn due to the coronavirus crisis.

"There is no political hindrance in its way. The project is Pakistan's future as well as a tangible reality and no compromise will be made on it," CPEC Authority Chairman Lt-Gen (retd) Asim Saleem Bajwa told a group of journalists on Wednesday.The work for the completion of the project is in progress on a fast pace, he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-formally-applies-for-g-20-debt-relief-296785" hreflang="en">Pakistan formally applies for G-20 debt relief</a>

Pakistan takes decisions in its interest and there should be no doubt that the CPEC project "is in the best interest of the country" and "no external pressure will be accepted", the Express Tribune quoted Bajwa as saying.

India has objected to the CPEC,&nbsp;a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking China's Xinjiang province with Pakistan's Gwadar Port -- as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/religious-freedom-severely-restricted-in-pakistan-uscirf-report-296733" hreflang="en">Religious freedom severely restricted in Pakistan: USCIRF report</a>

The US has also been critical of the ambitious infrastructure project for being non-transparent. It has said that firms blacklisted by the World Bank have got contracts, which will increase Pakistan's debt burden.

Cash-strapped Pakistan, which is grappling with the economic fallout triggered by the coronavirus crisis, has approached several multilateral donors for additional funds to fight the pandemic and its economic implications.

The COVID-19 cases in the country have crossed 24,000, while the death toll has jumped to 564. 
Last month, Pakistan received an emergency loan of USD 1.39 billion from the International Monetary Fund to boost its foreign exchange reserves.

This fund was in addition to the USD 6 billion bailout package that Islamabad had signed with the global money lender in July last year to stave off a balance of payment crisis.

The World Bank has earlier approved USD 1 billion and the Asian Development Bank USD 1.5 billion for Pakistan to keep its economy afloat.

During his interaction with the journalists, Bajwa said the working plan of both the routes from Khunjrab to Gwadar has been completed and the remaining link routes will be added into the plan in the next few months.

"The second phase of this multibillion-dollar project is crucial for the development of the country and construction work will soon be started," said Bajwa, who is also the Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information.

Gwadar's development projects have been included in the second phase.

Describing the projects in the second phase of the CPEC, Bajwa said, "Special emphasis is on agriculture, industries, trade, and science and technology sectors."

He said the highest priority was to make functional the economic zones in four provinces: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan.

Bajwa served as the head of the army's media wing when General Raheel Sharif was the army chief. He was appointed as head of the CPEC Authority last year and given additional portfolio of Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information last month to help improve government ties with media.

Debt-ridden Pakistan is going ahead with its strategic USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project, despite the country's further economic downturn due to the coronavirus crisis.

Debt-ridden Pakistan is going ahead with its strategic USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project, despite the country's further economic downturn due to the coronavirus crisis. "There is no political hindrance in its way. The project is Pakistan's future as well as a tangible reality and no compromise will be made on it," CPEC Authority Chairman Lt-Gen (retd) Asim Saleem Bajwa told a group of journalists on Wednesday.The work for the completion of the project is in progress on a fast pace, he said. Also read: Pakistan formally applies for G-20 debt relief Pakistan takes decisions in its interest and there should be no doubt that the CPEC project "is in the best interest of the country" and "no external pressure will be accepted", the Express Tribune quoted Bajwa as saying. India has objected to the CPEC, a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking China's Xinjiang province with Pakistan's Gwadar Port -- as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Also read: Religious freedom severely restricted in Pakistan: USCIRF report The US has also been critical of the ambitious infrastructure project for being non-transparent. It has said that firms blacklisted by the World Bank have got contracts, which will increase Pakistan's debt burden. Cash-strapped Pakistan, which is grappling with the economic fallout triggered by the coronavirus crisis, has approached several multilateral donors for additional funds to fight the pandemic and its economic implications. The COVID-19 cases in the country have crossed 24,000, while the death toll has jumped to 564. Last month, Pakistan received an emergency loan of USD 1.39 billion from the International Monetary Fund to boost its foreign exchange reserves. This fund was in addition to the USD 6 billion bailout package that Islamabad had signed with the global money lender in July last year to stave off a balance of payment crisis. The World Bank has earlier approved USD 1 billion and the Asian Development Bank USD 1.5 billion for Pakistan to keep its economy afloat. During his interaction with the journalists, Bajwa said the working plan of both the routes from Khunjrab to Gwadar has been completed and the remaining link routes will be added into the plan in the next few months. "The second phase of this multibillion-dollar project is crucial for the development of the country and construction work will soon be started," said Bajwa, who is also the Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information. Gwadar's development projects have been included in the second phase. Describing the projects in the second phase of the CPEC, Bajwa said, "Special emphasis is on agriculture, industries, trade, and science and technology sectors." He said the highest priority was to make functional the economic zones in four provinces: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan. Bajwa served as the head of the army's media wing when General Raheel Sharif was the army chief. He was appointed as head of the CPEC Authority last year and given additional portfolio of Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information last month to help improve government ties with media.

Pak goes ahead with CPEC amid mounting debts, further economic fallout due to COVID-19

Pakistan reported a record 40 deaths due to the coronavirus in the last 24 hours and 1,049 new cases, health officials said on Wednesday.

According to the Ministry of National Health Services, Punjab province reported 8,420 cases, Sindh 8,189, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 3,499, Balochistan 1,495, Islamabad 485, Gilgit-Baltistan 386 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 76 cases.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-formally-applies-for-g-20-debt-relief-296785" hreflang="en">Pakistan formally applies for G-20 debt relief</a>

The ministry said that a record 40 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the total to 526.

The country detected 1,049 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total to 22,413, it said. A total of 6,217 patients have recovered.

So far 232,582 tests were conducted, including 10,178 in the last 24 hours.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/190-pakistanis-stranded-in-india-for-over-two-months-due-to-coronavirus-lockdown-return-home-296839" hreflang="en">190 Pakistanis stranded in India for over two months return home</a>

Undeterred by the mounting number of deaths and new cases, the federal government is pushing for easing the lockdown.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday said the nationwide lockdown will be lifted gradually, asserting that Pakistan cannot afford an indefinite closure.

An important meeting of all stakeholders is expected on Wednesday to discuss the issue of lifting some restrictions and allowing more businesses to open up.

Meanwhile, Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said that the train service may begin operations partially from May 10. And initially some 40 trains could be made operational.

The move, however, attracted serious opposition from the Sindh government which warned the Centre against taking any such decision that it feared could cause the further spread of the novel coronavirus.

In a statement, Sindh Transport Minister Awais Shah said the proposed move by the federal government to resume the train service could become another disaster amid serious advice by health experts for social distancing.

Pakistan reported a record 40 deaths due to the coronavirus in the last 24 hours and 1,049 new cases, health officials said on Wednesday. According to the Ministry of National Health Services, Punjab province reported 8,420 cases, Sindh 8,189, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 3,499, Balochistan 1,495, Islamabad 485, Gilgit-Baltistan 386 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 76 cases.

Pakistan reported a record 40 deaths due to the coronavirus in the last 24 hours and 1,049 new cases, health officials said on Wednesday. According to the Ministry of National Health Services, Punjab province reported 8,420 cases, Sindh 8,189, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 3,499, Balochistan 1,495, Islamabad 485, Gilgit-Baltistan 386 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 76 cases. Also read: Pakistan formally applies for G-20 debt relief The ministry said that a record 40 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the total to 526. The country detected 1,049 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total to 22,413, it said. A total of 6,217 patients have recovered. So far 232,582 tests were conducted, including 10,178 in the last 24 hours. Also read: 190 Pakistanis stranded in India for over two months return home Undeterred by the mounting number of deaths and new cases, the federal government is pushing for easing the lockdown. Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday said the nationwide lockdown will be lifted gradually, asserting that Pakistan cannot afford an indefinite closure. An important meeting of all stakeholders is expected on Wednesday to discuss the issue of lifting some restrictions and allowing more businesses to open up. Meanwhile, Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said that the train service may begin operations partially from May 10. And initially some 40 trains could be made operational. The move, however, attracted serious opposition from the Sindh government which warned the Centre against taking any such decision that it feared could cause the further spread of the novel coronavirus. In a statement, Sindh Transport Minister Awais Shah said the proposed move by the federal government to resume the train service could become another disaster amid serious advice by health experts for social distancing.

Pakistan reports record 40 deaths in single day, coronavirus cases jump to 22,413

Pakistan's top cleric Tariq Jamil, who commented that women's dressing sense has brought the wrath of coronavirus upon the country on live television has come out to apologize for the statements.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-top-cleric-tariq-jamil-claims-women-caused-covid-19-294965">Pakistan's top cleric Tariq Jamil claims women caused COVID-19</a>

The cleric took to Twitter to clarify and apologise for what he said: "Recently I made some comments that I wish to clarify. My aim was to point out that WE are all to blame for our current state. It was meant to be a general remark not targeting any specific men, women, persons or gender, but as a reminder to get closer to what Allah teaches us."

Jamil also said that his sole aim was to remind everyone to be "spiritual" and to stay away from the "desires and the materialistic". He said: My goal was to remind us all to focus on the spiritual and away from our desires and the materialistic. I am the first to admit as I have taught over the years, that there is no excuse for making any hurtful comments about anyone or making anyone feel uncomfortable."&nbsp;

He apologised for the statements he made: For which I sincerely apologize to anyone who may been inadvertently hurt. I pray that Allah accept our good deeds and forgive our shortcomings.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Recently I made some comments that I wish to clarify 
My aim was to point out that WE are all to blame for our current state. It was meant to be a general remark not targeting any specific men, women, persons or gender, but as a reminder to get closer to what Allah teaches us.
— Tariq Jamil (@TariqJamilOFCL) <a href="https://twitter.com/TariqJamilOFCL/status/1254906518832635905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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For which I sincerely apologize to anyone who may been inadvertently hurt. 
I pray that Allah accept our good deeds and forgive our shortcomings.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tariqjamil?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tariqjamil</a>
— Tariq Jamil (@TariqJamilOFCL) <a href="https://twitter.com/TariqJamilOFCL/status/1254907765451034625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The cleric blamed the pandemic on the women calling it a "wrongdoing of women". According to Jameel, women who "often scantily" dress were the reason for an outbreak in the country. He condemned the women and said their behaviour has put the country in jeopardy. &nbsp;These comments were made during the Ehsaas Telethon fundraising event on live television in the presence of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Pakistan's top cleric Tariq Jamil, who commented that women's dressing sense has brought the wrath of coronavirus upon the country on live television has come out to apologize for the statements.

Pakistan's top cleric Tariq Jamil, who commented that women's dressing sense has brought the wrath of coronavirus upon the country on live television has come out to apologize for the statements. Also read: Pakistan's top cleric Tariq Jamil claims women caused COVID-19 The cleric took to Twitter to clarify and apologise for what he said: "Recently I made some comments that I wish to clarify. My aim was to point out that WE are all to blame for our current state. It was meant to be a general remark not targeting any specific men, women, persons or gender, but as a reminder to get closer to what Allah teaches us." Jamil also said that his sole aim was to remind everyone to be "spiritual" and to stay away from the "desires and the materialistic". He said: My goal was to remind us all to focus on the spiritual and away from our desires and the materialistic. I am the first to admit as I have taught over the years, that there is no excuse for making any hurtful comments about anyone or making anyone feel uncomfortable." He apologised for the statements he made: For which I sincerely apologize to anyone who may been inadvertently hurt. I pray that Allah accept our good deeds and forgive our shortcomings. Recently I made some comments that I wish to clarify My aim was to point out that WE are all to blame for our current state. It was meant to be a general remark not targeting any specific men, women, persons or gender, but as a reminder to get closer to what Allah teaches us. — Tariq Jamil (@TariqJamilOFCL) April 27, 2020 × For which I sincerely apologize to anyone who may been inadvertently hurt. I pray that Allah accept our good deeds and forgive our shortcomings.#tariqjamil — Tariq Jamil (@TariqJamilOFCL) April 27, 2020 × The cleric blamed the pandemic on the women calling it a "wrongdoing of women". According to Jameel, women who "often scantily" dress were the reason for an outbreak in the country. He condemned the women and said their behaviour has put the country in jeopardy. These comments were made during the Ehsaas Telethon fundraising event on live television in the presence of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Pakistan cleric Tariq  Jamil apologises for his remarks claiming women caused COVID-19

Leading Pakistani doctors on Wednesday urged the government and clerics to reverse a decision to allow prayer congregations at mosques during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, warning that the spread of coronavirus could spiral out of control.

Pakistan on Saturday lifted precautionary restrictions on congregational prayers.

The decision came three days after clerics said such limitations were not acceptable and after several incidents of clashes between police and worshippers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khan-tests-negative-for-coronavirus-294090" hreflang="en">Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan tests negative for coronavirus&nbsp;</a>

Congregations increase in size during Ramadan, which is expected to begin on Friday in Pakistan.

“Unfortunately, our rulers have made a wrong decision; our clerics have shown a non-serious attitude,” Dr Qaiser Sajjad, secretary-general of the Pakistan Medical Association, told a news conference hastily convened by the doctors.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-orders-resumption-of-chinas-belt-and-road-initiative-amid-pandemic-294073" hreflang="en">Pakistan orders resumption of China's Belt and Road Initiative amid pandemic</a>

Pakistan, the world’s second most populous Muslim country after Indonesia, has reported more than 10,000 cases of the coronavirus, including 212 deaths.

Both the government and experts say the peak for infections is expected to hit in May.

Last week, Pakistan extended a nationwide lockdown for two weeks, but eased restrictions on some activities, including key industrial production and mosques.

The doctors said a 20-point standard operating procedure for mosques agreed between the government and religious leaders was not practical or implementable.

Another doctor at the news conference, Dr Saad Niaz, said coronavirus facilities in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, had already reached maximum capacity.

At this rate, Niaz added, medical facilities will face great difficulties in coming days and patients will have to be denied admission because there will be no beds.

In a statement distributed at the news conference, doctors called for strict enforcement of lockdowns, urging businesses to bear with the hardships for a few more weeks until the virus can be brought under control.

Prime Minister Imran Khan underwent a test for COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus, on Wednesday after meeting an infected social worker last week. He tested negative.

Leading Pakistani doctors on Wednesday urged the government and clerics to reverse a decision to allow prayer congregations at mosques during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, warning that the spread of coronavirus could spiral out of control.

Leading Pakistani doctors on Wednesday urged the government and clerics to reverse a decision to allow prayer congregations at mosques during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, warning that the spread of coronavirus could spiral out of control. Pakistan on Saturday lifted precautionary restrictions on congregational prayers. The decision came three days after clerics said such limitations were not acceptable and after several incidents of clashes between police and worshippers. Also read: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan tests negative for coronavirus Congregations increase in size during Ramadan, which is expected to begin on Friday in Pakistan. “Unfortunately, our rulers have made a wrong decision; our clerics have shown a non-serious attitude,” Dr Qaiser Sajjad, secretary-general of the Pakistan Medical Association, told a news conference hastily convened by the doctors. Also read: Pakistan orders resumption of China's Belt and Road Initiative amid pandemic Pakistan, the world’s second most populous Muslim country after Indonesia, has reported more than 10,000 cases of the coronavirus, including 212 deaths. Both the government and experts say the peak for infections is expected to hit in May. Last week, Pakistan extended a nationwide lockdown for two weeks, but eased restrictions on some activities, including key industrial production and mosques. The doctors said a 20-point standard operating procedure for mosques agreed between the government and religious leaders was not practical or implementable. Another doctor at the news conference, Dr Saad Niaz, said coronavirus facilities in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, had already reached maximum capacity. At this rate, Niaz added, medical facilities will face great difficulties in coming days and patients will have to be denied admission because there will be no beds. In a statement distributed at the news conference, doctors called for strict enforcement of lockdowns, urging businesses to bear with the hardships for a few more weeks until the virus can be brought under control. Prime Minister Imran Khan underwent a test for COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus, on Wednesday after meeting an infected social worker last week. He tested negative.

Pakistani doctors urge government to reimpose mosque restrictions

The number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-lifts-limit-on-mosque-congregations-as-muslim-holy-month-approaches-293385">coronavirus</a> cases in Pakistan has shot up to over 8,600 with Punjab recording 3,700&nbsp;cases and Sindh reporting over 2,700 cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-pakistan-starts-repatriating-its-citizens-stranded-in-uae-293463">Also Read:&nbsp;Pakistan starts repatriating its citizens stranded in UAE</a>

There have been 181 fatalities due to the virus in the country.

Sindh chief minister Murad Ali Shah said that at least 115 COVID-19 patients were below aged 10 with 223 cases being reported with 5 deaths.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported 98 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours with 19 deaths.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan urged citizens to remain at home as the country fights the epidemic.

Last week, in a major relief to the government, the IMF had approved nearly $1.4 billion in emergency aid to Pakistan to combat the epidemic.

"While uncertainty remains high, the near-term economic impact of COVID-19 is expected to be significant, giving rise to large fiscal and external financing needs," IMF said.

The number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan has shot up to over 8,600 with Punjab recording 3,700 cases and Sindh reporting over 2,700 cases. Also Read: Pakistan starts repatriating its citizens stranded in UAE There have been 181 fatalities due to the virus in the country.

The number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan has shot up to over 8,600 with Punjab recording 3,700 cases and Sindh reporting over 2,700 cases. Also Read: Pakistan starts repatriating its citizens stranded in UAE There have been 181 fatalities due to the virus in the country. Sindh chief minister Murad Ali Shah said that at least 115 COVID-19 patients were below aged 10 with 223 cases being reported with 5 deaths. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported 98 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours with 19 deaths. Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan urged citizens to remain at home as the country fights the epidemic. Last week, in a major relief to the government, the IMF had approved nearly $1.4 billion in emergency aid to Pakistan to combat the epidemic. "While uncertainty remains high, the near-term economic impact of COVID-19 is expected to be significant, giving rise to large fiscal and external financing needs," IMF said.

Coronavirus cases surge to over 8,600 in Pakistan; 181 dead

In COVID-19 crisis, Imran Khan government in Pakistan faces multiple challenges. Know what kind of challenges.

COVID-19 Crisis: Imran Khan govt in Pakistan faces multiple challenges