A report on coronavirus (COVID-19) testing kits highlights a critical situation in Pakistan as it has been stated&nbsp;that the majority of the virus testing is apparently inaccurate. The testing kits imported by the country were of substandard quality.

A Pakistan-based media newspaper The Express Tribune reported citing a health expert that nearly 80 per cent of imported testing kits were of substandard quality and showed discrepancies in the results.&nbsp;

Also, the results of low-quality kits used by most health facilities in the country are 50 per cent accurate, the report said.&nbsp;

The newspaper highlighted the point that Pakistan is yet to form a uniform policy for the diagnosis of various infections including coronavirus.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-covid-19-start-diminishing-in-2022-or-the-world-will-see-new-variants-446723">Will COVID-19 start diminishing in 2022 or the world will see new variants?</a>

Dr Saeed Khan, Professor of Pathology at Dow University Ojha campus talked about the&nbsp;types of kits that are currently being used in the country for Covid testing, which are automatic, semi-automatic and manual.

Human involvement is not needed in fully automatic kits, whereas the semi-automatic ones involve the use of human hands.&nbsp;

"If the technician has obtained the patient's sample with expertise and applied it for testing through the automated kit, then the results are perfectly accurate," he said as quoted by the newspaper.&nbsp;

He also talked about the handling of the testing kits, he said that the samples must be kept at a required temperature. "If a patient's sample is taken and placed in the sunlight or in a warm place, the results will be radically different," Dr Khan added.&nbsp;

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He said that while some large hospitals in the country are administering US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved, high-quality testing kits, smaller laboratories have resorted to using unreliable, cheaper kits.

As per the report, Pakistan has imported Covid diagnostic kits from China, Turkey, the US and several European countries.

Dr Khan recommended stricter testing regulations to stop the use of non-FDA approved kits, as well as a uniform national policy on the diagnosis of infectious diseases.&nbsp;

Pakistan shattered previous records on Friday (January 21), when the country reported the highest number of new daily cases since the pandemic began in early 2020.&nbsp;

The country reported 7,678 new coronavirus cases during the last 24 hours — the highest number of cases since the pandemic began in Feb 2020.

WATCH:&nbsp;COVID-19 cases continue to soar with each passing day

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(With inputs from agencies)

A report on coronavirus (COVID-19) testing kits highlights a critical situation in Pakistan as it has been stated that the majority of the virus testing is apparently inaccurate.

A report on coronavirus (COVID-19) testing kits highlights a critical situation in Pakistan as it has been stated that the majority of the virus testing is apparently inaccurate. The testing kits imported by the country were of substandard quality. A Pakistan-based media newspaper The Express Tribune reported citing a health expert that nearly 80 per cent of imported testing kits were of substandard quality and showed discrepancies in the results. Also, the results of low-quality kits used by most health facilities in the country are 50 per cent accurate, the report said. The newspaper highlighted the point that Pakistan is yet to form a uniform policy for the diagnosis of various infections including coronavirus. ALSO READ | Will COVID-19 start diminishing in 2022 or the world will see new variants? Dr Saeed Khan, Professor of Pathology at Dow University Ojha campus talked about the types of kits that are currently being used in the country for Covid testing, which are automatic, semi-automatic and manual. Human involvement is not needed in fully automatic kits, whereas the semi-automatic ones involve the use of human hands. "If the technician has obtained the patient's sample with expertise and applied it for testing through the automated kit, then the results are perfectly accurate," he said as quoted by the newspaper. He also talked about the handling of the testing kits, he said that the samples must be kept at a required temperature. "If a patient's sample is taken and placed in the sunlight or in a warm place, the results will be radically different," Dr Khan added. ALSO READ | Rio de Janeiro postpones Carnival parades as Omicron cases spike He said that while some large hospitals in the country are administering US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved, high-quality testing kits, smaller laboratories have resorted to using unreliable, cheaper kits. As per the report, Pakistan has imported Covid diagnostic kits from China, Turkey, the US and several European countries. Dr Khan recommended stricter testing regulations to stop the use of non-FDA approved kits, as well as a uniform national policy on the diagnosis of infectious diseases. Pakistan shattered previous records on Friday (January 21), when the country reported the highest number of new daily cases since the pandemic began in early 2020. The country reported 7,678 new coronavirus cases during the last 24 hours — the highest number of cases since the pandemic began in Feb 2020. WATCH: COVID-19 cases continue to soar with each passing day × (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan using 80% of COVID-19 testing kits of substandard quality: Report

A recent survey on coronavirus (COVID-19) showed that 28 per cent of Pakistanis think that the pandemic had already come to an end, as reported by Pakistan-based media outlet The Dawn.&nbsp;

The above-mentioned survey was conducted by a market research company in 34 countries. The result of the survey shows that Pakistan had the highest share of those who thought the pandemic was over as compared with a mere nine per cent of people in other countries.&nbsp;

The media report also added that while replying to another question, at least 14 per cent believed that the pandemic may never end.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/this-is-imran-khans-new-pakistan-reham-khan-says-she-escaped-gun-attack-in-islamabad-slams-government-441985">'This is Imran Khan's New Pakistan?': Reham Khan says she escaped gun attack in Islamabad, slams government</a>

The survey, titled 'Covid-19: Will The Pandemic Ever End and How Will We Know?' was conducted by Ipsos and it sampled 22,023 adults aged between 18-74 years.&nbsp;

It was conducted in Pakistan, the United States, Canada, Malaysia, South Africa, Turkey, Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Spain, Argentina, Belgium, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Hungary, India, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Sweden and Switzerland.&nbsp;

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COVID-19 situation in Pakistan

The country is witnessing a surge in Covid cases as Pakistani authorities have warned that Omicron-driven fifth wave has started.&nbsp;

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) held a meeting on Monday and discussed the epidemic curve chart data, national vaccine strategy and disease prevalence across the country.&nbsp;

NCOC is the main body governing the policies and implementation of the national COVID-19 effort of Pakistan.&nbsp;

The meeting was held after 708 cases were recorded in a single day - the highest since October 30 when 733 infections were detected, The News International reported.&nbsp;

The meeting also reviewed the spread of disease and it is revealed that "the fifth wave of COVID-19 which is Omicron-driven is spreading at a great pace."

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Has the Wuhan Virus weakened?

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A recent survey on coronavirus (COVID-19) showed that 28 per cent of Pakistanis think that the pandemic had already come to an end, as reported by Pakistan-based media outlet The Dawn.

A recent survey on coronavirus (COVID-19) showed that 28 per cent of Pakistanis think that the pandemic had already come to an end, as reported by Pakistan-based media outlet The Dawn. The above-mentioned survey was conducted by a market research company in 34 countries. The result of the survey shows that Pakistan had the highest share of those who thought the pandemic was over as compared with a mere nine per cent of people in other countries. The media report also added that while replying to another question, at least 14 per cent believed that the pandemic may never end. ALSO READ | 'This is Imran Khan's New Pakistan?': Reham Khan says she escaped gun attack in Islamabad, slams government The survey, titled 'Covid-19: Will The Pandemic Ever End and How Will We Know?' was conducted by Ipsos and it sampled 22,023 adults aged between 18-74 years. It was conducted in Pakistan, the United States, Canada, Malaysia, South Africa, Turkey, Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Spain, Argentina, Belgium, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Hungary, India, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Sweden and Switzerland. ALSO READ | Due to COVID-19, Sri Lanka faces economic crisis and high food inflation COVID-19 situation in Pakistan The country is witnessing a surge in Covid cases as Pakistani authorities have warned that Omicron-driven fifth wave has started. The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) held a meeting on Monday and discussed the epidemic curve chart data, national vaccine strategy and disease prevalence across the country. NCOC is the main body governing the policies and implementation of the national COVID-19 effort of Pakistan. The meeting was held after 708 cases were recorded in a single day - the highest since October 30 when 733 infections were detected, The News International reported. The meeting also reviewed the spread of disease and it is revealed that "the fifth wave of COVID-19 which is Omicron-driven is spreading at a great pace." WATCH | Gravitas: Has the Wuhan Virus weakened? ×

Survey shows 28 per cent Pakistanis think that COVID-19 pandemic has ended

Pakistan has lifted the countrywide&nbsp;lockdown and started easing the restrictions imposed to curb the coronavirus pandemic, despite the rising in confirmed cases.

The decision is being taken because the country's large number of poor people and labourers cannot not afford to live under lockdown any more, Prime Minister Imran Khan&nbsp;said on Thursday.

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"We're deciding that we are ending this lockdown now," Khan said in a televised address. "We know that we're doing it at a time when our curve is going up.... but it is not edging up as we were expecting."

Impoverished&nbsp;Pakistanis cannot survive under lockdown any longer, Khan said. "Since we started this lockdown, we had this fear that these people who are daily wagers, who feed their kids on daily earnings, what will happen to them?" he asked.

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He said the shutdown would be lifted in phases and warned people that the disease could get out of control if they didn't take precautions.

The government's handling of the virus has been strongly criticised by scientists and doctors who fear the outbreak will gather pace among a population of more than 200 million and overwhelm the country's struggling health system.

Planning Minister Asad Umar said that initially small markets and shops would be allowed to open until 5 p.m., although big malls and other spaces which attract large crowds would remain closed for now.

A decision to reopen intercity transport and railways will be taken later, while schools will stay closed until July 15, Umar said.

Khan said the restrictions could be restored if the outbreak worsens, something his critics expect to happen due to what they describe as a confused policy response to the crisis and capitulation to Islamist clerics.

He allowed communal prayers for the holy month of Ramadan, but a survey by an NGO, Pattan, found that worshippers were breaching measures on social distancing, masks and disinfection.

Fears for the economy are said to be the main reason for relaxing the lockdown. The IMF and the World Bank have forecast a bleak economic outlook for&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;as it heads toward a major recession.

Pakistan, which has undergone a five-week lockdown, has recorded 26,954 confirmed COVID-19 cases along with 611 deaths.

It recorded its highest single-day increase of 1,523 cases on Thursday. 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Pakistan has lifted the countrywide lockdown and started easing the restrictions imposed to curb the coronavirus pandemic, despite the rising in confirmed cases.

Pakistan has lifted the countrywide lockdown and started easing the restrictions imposed to curb the coronavirus pandemic, despite the rising in confirmed cases. The decision is being taken because the country's large number of poor people and labourers cannot not afford to live under lockdown any more, Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Thursday. Also read: More than 500 repatriated Pakistan nationals test positive "We're deciding that we are ending this lockdown now," Khan said in a televised address. "We know that we're doing it at a time when our curve is going up.... but it is not edging up as we were expecting." Impoverished Pakistanis cannot survive under lockdown any longer, Khan said. "Since we started this lockdown, we had this fear that these people who are daily wagers, who feed their kids on daily earnings, what will happen to them?" he asked. Also read: Pakistan reports record 1,764 new cases in 24 hours; death toll nears 600 He said the shutdown would be lifted in phases and warned people that the disease could get out of control if they didn't take precautions. The government's handling of the virus has been strongly criticised by scientists and doctors who fear the outbreak will gather pace among a population of more than 200 million and overwhelm the country's struggling health system. Planning Minister Asad Umar said that initially small markets and shops would be allowed to open until 5 p.m., although big malls and other spaces which attract large crowds would remain closed for now. A decision to reopen intercity transport and railways will be taken later, while schools will stay closed until July 15, Umar said. Khan said the restrictions could be restored if the outbreak worsens, something his critics expect to happen due to what they describe as a confused policy response to the crisis and capitulation to Islamist clerics. He allowed communal prayers for the holy month of Ramadan, but a survey by an NGO, Pattan, found that worshippers were breaching measures on social distancing, masks and disinfection. Fears for the economy are said to be the main reason for relaxing the lockdown. The IMF and the World Bank have forecast a bleak economic outlook for Pakistan as it heads toward a major recession. Pakistan, which has undergone a five-week lockdown, has recorded 26,954 confirmed COVID-19 cases along with 611 deaths. It recorded its highest single-day increase of 1,523 cases on Thursday.

Pakistan lifts coronavirus lockdown, despite rise in confirmed 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.

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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

Amid the measures taken to curb the surging infection rates related to COVID-19, the Pakistan government has started preparing to tackle the issue of desert locust which, if not controlled, will endanger food security in the country.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari recently issued a statement regarding the threat of the locust attack.

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On Sunday, National Food Security Minister Syed Fakhr Imam came up with a rejoinder, saying that his ministry was working with the department of plant protection beyond its mandate.

He explained that after the 18th Amendment, the government can deal with the locust issue from an international perspective and maintaining contacts with locust monitoring organisations.

Bhutto argued that despite numerous requests last year, the provinces were left at the mercy of desert locust.

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"If the federal government fails once again, the country will face another disaster in the wake of desert locust attack," he warned.

Responding to the Sindh government`s allegations that the federal government was "doing nothing" for locust threat in the province, the food security ministry said it was fully aware of its responsibility and actively pursuing the threat.

"We are confident that the nation will collectively respond in the best possible manner to the challenge at hand," the minister stated, adding that the government is in the process of revisiting the 'National Action Plan for Locust'&nbsp;to make it more effective and resourceful.

The ministry also said that the threat of locust was not restricted to Sindh, but other provinces were also affected by it.

The present locust swarm spotted in Sindh is from Koh-i-Suleman range and not from Balochistan.

As a precautionary measure, the Federal Plant Protection Department has deployed three ground teams, one helicopter and one beaver aircraft in Sukkur.

The migration of locust is expected to start from the end of May from Balochistan and neighbouring countries.

During migration, these migratory swarms were expected to cross through the cropping area of Sindh, for which the provincial government may alert its agriculture staff to be ready for response.In this connection, 50 officers of the Sindh agriculture department have already been trained by experts of the Plant Protection Department, according to the ministry.

Amid the measures taken to curb the surging infection rates related to COVID-19, the Pakistan government has started preparing to tackle the issue of desert locust which, if not controlled, will endanger food security in the country.

Amid the measures taken to curb the surging infection rates related to COVID-19, the Pakistan government has started preparing to tackle the issue of desert locust which, if not controlled, will endanger food security in the country. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari recently issued a statement regarding the threat of the locust attack. Also read: Global coronavirus tally surpasses 3.5 million amid underreporting concerns On Sunday, National Food Security Minister Syed Fakhr Imam came up with a rejoinder, saying that his ministry was working with the department of plant protection beyond its mandate. He explained that after the 18th Amendment, the government can deal with the locust issue from an international perspective and maintaining contacts with locust monitoring organisations. Bhutto argued that despite numerous requests last year, the provinces were left at the mercy of desert locust. Also read: US to begin treating critically ill COVID-19 patients with Remdesivir "If the federal government fails once again, the country will face another disaster in the wake of desert locust attack," he warned. Responding to the Sindh government`s allegations that the federal government was "doing nothing" for locust threat in the province, the food security ministry said it was fully aware of its responsibility and actively pursuing the threat. "We are confident that the nation will collectively respond in the best possible manner to the challenge at hand," the minister stated, adding that the government is in the process of revisiting the 'National Action Plan for Locust' to make it more effective and resourceful. The ministry also said that the threat of locust was not restricted to Sindh, but other provinces were also affected by it. The present locust swarm spotted in Sindh is from Koh-i-Suleman range and not from Balochistan. As a precautionary measure, the Federal Plant Protection Department has deployed three ground teams, one helicopter and one beaver aircraft in Sukkur. The migration of locust is expected to start from the end of May from Balochistan and neighbouring countries. During migration, these migratory swarms were expected to cross through the cropping area of Sindh, for which the provincial government may alert its agriculture staff to be ready for response.In this connection, 50 officers of the Sindh agriculture department have already been trained by experts of the Plant Protection Department, according to the ministry.

Amid COVID-19 outbreak, Pakistan government prepares to tackle locust crisis

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran and his aides on Thursday reiterated that the coronavirus situation in Pakistan is ''not bad'' even as the number of confirmed cases in the country exceed 16,000.

Addressing a news briefing along with his aides in Islamabad, the premier said the number of cases in the country are&nbsp;"lower than feared".

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He also said that he "thought that our intensive care units (ICUs) would be filled by now but that is not the case".

On being questioned about lifting the lockdown in the country, Imran Khan said&nbsp;that easing of the lockdown after May 9 depended on whether people were following the restrictions and social distancing measures.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/new-name-same-old-terror-group-let-becomes-trf-to-save-pak-from-fatf-axe-295640" hreflang="en">New name, same old terror group; LeT becomes TRF to save Pak from FATF axe</a>

Echoing the Pakistan PM's sentiments, the Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar assured that the country's coronavirus situation is ''not out of control''.

Comparing Pakistan's situation to neighbouring Iran which has been badly affected by the virus, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza said that Pakistan was "comparatively better off".

Pakistan has recorded 16,329 confirmed coronavirus cases, out of which Sindh and Punjab alone have recorded more than 6,000 cases.

20 fatalities, 12 in Sindh and 8 in Punjab, have taken the country's death toll to 361.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran and his aides on Thursday reiterated that the coronavirus situation in Pakistan is ''not bad'' even as the number of confirmed cases in the country exceed 16,000.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran and his aides on Thursday reiterated that the coronavirus situation in Pakistan is ''not bad'' even as the number of confirmed cases in the country exceed 16,000. Addressing a news briefing along with his aides in Islamabad, the premier said the number of cases in the country are "lower than feared". Also read: Pak's Sindh govt seeks early hearing of plea against provincial HC order in Daniel Pearl case He also said that he "thought that our intensive care units (ICUs) would be filled by now but that is not the case". On being questioned about lifting the lockdown in the country, Imran Khan said that easing of the lockdown after May 9 depended on whether people were following the restrictions and social distancing measures. Also read: New name, same old terror group; LeT becomes TRF to save Pak from FATF axe Echoing the Pakistan PM's sentiments, the Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar assured that the country's coronavirus situation is ''not out of control''. Comparing Pakistan's situation to neighbouring Iran which has been badly affected by the virus, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza said that Pakistan was "comparatively better off". Pakistan has recorded 16,329 confirmed coronavirus cases, out of which Sindh and Punjab alone have recorded more than 6,000 cases. 20 fatalities, 12 in Sindh and 8 in Punjab, have taken the country's death toll to 361.

Imran Khan reiterates 'coronavirus situation not bad in Pakistan' even as cases exceed 16,000

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.

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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.

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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