Authorities here have imposed stricter measures under the garb of law, including fines and imprisonment for people failing to comply with the government`s directives, without any reasonable excuse, to control the coronavirus spread.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-virus-continues-to-spread-in-pakistan-as-1625-cases-reported-289435" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: Virus continues to spread in Pakistan as 1,625 cases reported</a>

The provincial government on Sunday promulgated the Punjab Infectious Diseases (Prevention and Control) Ordinance 2020, allowing civil administration and health department to control the pandemic outbreak in the country, Dawn reported.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-19-army-deployed-in-pakistan-to-enforce-lockdown-as-cases-rise-289357" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Army deployed in Pakistan to enforce lockdown as cases rise</a>

The new rules levied by the provincial government stated that those violating the law would be punished, with a jail term not extending more than two months or a fine not exceeding Rs 50,000 or both.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/gravitas-coronavirus-pakistan-occupied-kashmir-turned-into-a-quarantine-centre-288768/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

However, on the repeat offence, the person, upon conviction, may be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding Rs 100,000 or both. And if such offence is committed by a body corporate, the fine for a first offence shall not be less than Rs 50,000 and not exceeding Rs 200,000; and for a repeat offence not be less than Rs 100,000 and not exceed Rs 300,000, the law said.

The Punjab province has reported maximum positive cases of the contagious infection in the country. Health officials confirmed that the tally reached 593 on Monday.

After reporting new cases, authorities, today, announced that the novel coronavirus has infected at least 1600 people in the country while 17 others have succumbed to the infection.

The army has been deployed at every check posts and borders of the country in a bid to stain the surging cases. The government has also imposed a lockdown until next month, barring people from moving out of houses without valid reasons, and suspending international flights until further notice.

The ordinance concludingly said that it shall be "the duty of every person, including head of a family, any health professional, who knows or believes that a person under his care, supervision or control is suffering from an infectious disease or is contaminated, to report such case to a notified medical officer immediately."

Authorities here have imposed stricter measures under the garb of law, including fines and imprisonment for people failing to comply with the government`s directives, without any reasonable excuse, to control the coronavirus spread.

Authorities here have imposed stricter measures under the garb of law, including fines and imprisonment for people failing to comply with the government`s directives, without any reasonable excuse, to control the coronavirus spread. Also read: Coronavirus: Virus continues to spread in Pakistan as 1,625 cases reported The provincial government on Sunday promulgated the Punjab Infectious Diseases (Prevention and Control) Ordinance 2020, allowing civil administration and health department to control the pandemic outbreak in the country, Dawn reported. Also read: COVID-19: Army deployed in Pakistan to enforce lockdown as cases rise The new rules levied by the provincial government stated that those violating the law would be punished, with a jail term not extending more than two months or a fine not exceeding Rs 50,000 or both. × However, on the repeat offence, the person, upon conviction, may be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding Rs 100,000 or both. And if such offence is committed by a body corporate, the fine for a first offence shall not be less than Rs 50,000 and not exceeding Rs 200,000; and for a repeat offence not be less than Rs 100,000 and not exceed Rs 300,000, the law said. The Punjab province has reported maximum positive cases of the contagious infection in the country. Health officials confirmed that the tally reached 593 on Monday. After reporting new cases, authorities, today, announced that the novel coronavirus has infected at least 1600 people in the country while 17 others have succumbed to the infection. The army has been deployed at every check posts and borders of the country in a bid to stain the surging cases. The government has also imposed a lockdown until next month, barring people from moving out of houses without valid reasons, and suspending international flights until further notice. The ordinance concludingly said that it shall be "the duty of every person, including head of a family, any health professional, who knows or believes that a person under his care, supervision or control is suffering from an infectious disease or is contaminated, to report such case to a notified medical officer immediately."

Pakistan's way to curb coronavirus: Harass its own citizens and put them in jail

With a tag of `maximum-spreader,` Pakistan is reeling under an alarming situation due to a consistent surge in the active COVID-19 infection in the South Asian region. But Imran Khan is still not in favour of a complete lockdown in the country, fearing that the stringent measures would further challenge the economic meltdown which has been stagnating since the prime minister took over reins in August 2018.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-way-to-curb-coronavirus-harass-its-own-citizens-and-put-them-in-jail-289443" hreflang="en">Pakistan's way to curb coronavirus: Harass its own citizens and put them in jail</a>

Khan has been talking about devising an economic package to deal with the coronavirus situation. He also added that the government is closely monitoring the matter and it will not hide facts from the public. But shouldn`t the government only focus on combating the global pandemic for the time being instead of focusing on saving the already-sluggish economy, especially at a time when the most developed countries across the world are closing their borders and halting services, ensuring a stringent lockdown to stain the spread of the killer bug?

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-19-army-deployed-in-pakistan-to-enforce-lockdown-as-cases-rise-289357" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Army deployed in Pakistan to enforce lockdown as cases rise</a>

The virus which is believed to have originated in central China, the all-weather friend of Pakistan, has infected at least 1600 people in the Islamic country, the maximum reported COVID-19 cases in South Asia.As many as 17 people have succumbed to the contagious infection in Pakistan so far, including the death of a health department employee in Gilgit-Baltistan today.

Twelve new cases in GB have come up, taking the total tally in the region to 128, according to Bol News.Mubasher Lucman, a Pakistani film director-turned-journalist and former caretaker provincial minister in Punjab, in the view that the corona situation in Pakistan is "highly alarming."Faisal Edhi of Edhi Foundation, a Karachi-based non-profit organisation, further stated that his Foundation is burying a minimum of six to seven corona deceased daily in Punjab itself.

Edhi added that the Foundation`s cold storages have been being closed to hide the number of dead bodies.On the other hand, the provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also hiding facts. Mubasher said that all doctors in government hospitals have been stopped from speaking on the issue. He quoted the doctors as saying that casualties are "on the high side. Hospitals are getting choked.

There is a shortage of equipment and kits and worse doctors are not trained in using these kits and equipment."It shows that people, themselves, are complaining against the so-called measures taken by Khan`s government in response to combat the pandemic.

Six cases have been reported in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir region whose residents are upset with the establishment for setting up quarantine facilities in the area to treat those infected by the virus from across the country.But such `rumours related to coronavirus` simply fall on the deaf ears of the prime minister, who instead of taking the call seriously, urge the media to report cases with more `responsibility.`

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/gravitas-coronavirus-pakistan-occupied-kashmir-turned-into-a-quarantine-centre-288768/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Media and private TV channels should stop creating panic among the people," the media quoted Khan as saying during a news conference.

According to Pakistani media reports, Khan is continuously pressurising the finance ministry to devise strategies in order to save the country from the economic fallout.

He said the economic indicators of the country were showing progress before the eruption of coronavirus. The prime minister is more tensed regarding the fact that the global economy is slowing down due to the global pandemic, and Pakistani exports are also likely to be impacted.

It could also reduce the foreign remittances received by the country, besides plummeting the job creation opportunities, the local media stated.

The `fake concern` of the Pakistani establishment further comes in light following reports that tons of medical aid from China were sent to Pakistan, at a time when various countries are rejecting those test kits following claims showing inaccurate results.In view of the above factors, it has become a necessity for Pakistan to take immediate action to curb the COVID-19 spread. Or else, what will Imran Khan do with a robust economy if the population in his country is ailing?

With a tag of `maximum-spreader,` Pakistan is reeling under an alarming situation due to a consistent surge in the active COVID-19 infection in the South Asian region.

With a tag of `maximum-spreader,` Pakistan is reeling under an alarming situation due to a consistent surge in the active COVID-19 infection in the South Asian region. But Imran Khan is still not in favour of a complete lockdown in the country, fearing that the stringent measures would further challenge the economic meltdown which has been stagnating since the prime minister took over reins in August 2018. Also read: Pakistan's way to curb coronavirus: Harass its own citizens and put them in jail Khan has been talking about devising an economic package to deal with the coronavirus situation. He also added that the government is closely monitoring the matter and it will not hide facts from the public. But shouldn`t the government only focus on combating the global pandemic for the time being instead of focusing on saving the already-sluggish economy, especially at a time when the most developed countries across the world are closing their borders and halting services, ensuring a stringent lockdown to stain the spread of the killer bug? Also read: COVID-19: Army deployed in Pakistan to enforce lockdown as cases rise The virus which is believed to have originated in central China, the all-weather friend of Pakistan, has infected at least 1600 people in the Islamic country, the maximum reported COVID-19 cases in South Asia.As many as 17 people have succumbed to the contagious infection in Pakistan so far, including the death of a health department employee in Gilgit-Baltistan today. Twelve new cases in GB have come up, taking the total tally in the region to 128, according to Bol News.Mubasher Lucman, a Pakistani film director-turned-journalist and former caretaker provincial minister in Punjab, in the view that the corona situation in Pakistan is "highly alarming."Faisal Edhi of Edhi Foundation, a Karachi-based non-profit organisation, further stated that his Foundation is burying a minimum of six to seven corona deceased daily in Punjab itself. Edhi added that the Foundation`s cold storages have been being closed to hide the number of dead bodies.On the other hand, the provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also hiding facts. Mubasher said that all doctors in government hospitals have been stopped from speaking on the issue. He quoted the doctors as saying that casualties are "on the high side. Hospitals are getting choked. There is a shortage of equipment and kits and worse doctors are not trained in using these kits and equipment."It shows that people, themselves, are complaining against the so-called measures taken by Khan`s government in response to combat the pandemic. Six cases have been reported in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir region whose residents are upset with the establishment for setting up quarantine facilities in the area to treat those infected by the virus from across the country.But such `rumours related to coronavirus` simply fall on the deaf ears of the prime minister, who instead of taking the call seriously, urge the media to report cases with more `responsibility.` × "Media and private TV channels should stop creating panic among the people," the media quoted Khan as saying during a news conference. According to Pakistani media reports, Khan is continuously pressurising the finance ministry to devise strategies in order to save the country from the economic fallout. He said the economic indicators of the country were showing progress before the eruption of coronavirus. The prime minister is more tensed regarding the fact that the global economy is slowing down due to the global pandemic, and Pakistani exports are also likely to be impacted. It could also reduce the foreign remittances received by the country, besides plummeting the job creation opportunities, the local media stated. The `fake concern` of the Pakistani establishment further comes in light following reports that tons of medical aid from China were sent to Pakistan, at a time when various countries are rejecting those test kits following claims showing inaccurate results.In view of the above factors, it has become a necessity for Pakistan to take immediate action to curb the COVID-19 spread. Or else, what will Imran Khan do with a robust economy if the population in his country is ailing?

Coronavirus surges in Pakistan, Imran remains defiant to announce lockdown

The number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan reached 1,625 while the death toll stood at 18, health officials said on Monday, underlining that local transmission of the deadly COVID-19 is increasing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-19-army-deployed-in-pakistan-to-enforce-lockdown-as-cases-rise-289357" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Army deployed in Pakistan to enforce lockdown as cases rise</a>

The Ministry of National Health Services said that 54 more cases were reported during the last 12 hours, taking the total from 1,571 to 1,625.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-says-coronavirus-outbreak-under-control-as-cases-rise-to-1526-289328" hreflang="en">Pakistan says coronavirus outbreak under control as cases rise to 1,526</a>

It showed 593 cases in Punjab, 508 in Sindh, 195 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 144 in Balochistan, 128 in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), 51 in Islamabad and 6 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

So far 18 people have died, including 4 in the last 24 hours and 28 recovered, while another 11 were in critical conditions.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/gravitas-coronavirus-pakistan-occupied-kashmir-turned-into-a-quarantine-centre-288768/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The epidemic is still spreading despite steps by the government. Advisor on health Dr Zafar Mirza said local transmission was increasing after government stopped all international flights.

He said so far the share of local transmission was about 27 per cent.

A spokesperson for the Sindh health department said that the number of patients in Karachi alone rose to 222 with 33 new cases reported on Sunday and all the cases, the spokesperson confirmed, were of local transmission, Dawn newspaper reported.

Health experts appealed to the people to stay home and strictly adhere to basic hygiene measures to break the chain of coronavirus transmission.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan will address the country on Monday regarding the situation caused by the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus.

According Khan's advisor on information, Firdous Ashiq Awan, the Prime Minister will take people into confidence about delivery of ration and food supplies to deserving poor families across the country at their doorsteps.

Awan said due to the lockdown to prevent spread of coronavirus, ?national economy is being affected and chain of daily use items has slowed down?, which created fear of shortages.

The decision of the prime minister to address the nations came after reports of non-availability of wheat flour in some areas of Punjab.

On Saturday, the Pakistan government decided to keep its western borders with Iran and Afghanistan and eastern border with India closed for two more weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Security Moeed Yusuf said the move was taken in the wake of increasing COVID-19 cases in the country.

He also announced that all flights will remain suspended in the country till April 4. However, there will be exceptions if a country makes a special request to repatriate its citizens.

The number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan reached 1,625 while the death toll stood at 18, health officials said on Monday, underlining that local transmission of the deadly COVID-19 is increasing.

The number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan reached 1,625 while the death toll stood at 18, health officials said on Monday, underlining that local transmission of the deadly COVID-19 is increasing. Also read: COVID-19: Army deployed in Pakistan to enforce lockdown as cases rise The Ministry of National Health Services said that 54 more cases were reported during the last 12 hours, taking the total from 1,571 to 1,625. Also read: Pakistan says coronavirus outbreak under control as cases rise to 1,526 It showed 593 cases in Punjab, 508 in Sindh, 195 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 144 in Balochistan, 128 in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), 51 in Islamabad and 6 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). So far 18 people have died, including 4 in the last 24 hours and 28 recovered, while another 11 were in critical conditions. × The epidemic is still spreading despite steps by the government. Advisor on health Dr Zafar Mirza said local transmission was increasing after government stopped all international flights. He said so far the share of local transmission was about 27 per cent. A spokesperson for the Sindh health department said that the number of patients in Karachi alone rose to 222 with 33 new cases reported on Sunday and all the cases, the spokesperson confirmed, were of local transmission, Dawn newspaper reported. Health experts appealed to the people to stay home and strictly adhere to basic hygiene measures to break the chain of coronavirus transmission. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan will address the country on Monday regarding the situation caused by the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus. According Khan's advisor on information, Firdous Ashiq Awan, the Prime Minister will take people into confidence about delivery of ration and food supplies to deserving poor families across the country at their doorsteps. Awan said due to the lockdown to prevent spread of coronavirus, ?national economy is being affected and chain of daily use items has slowed down?, which created fear of shortages. The decision of the prime minister to address the nations came after reports of non-availability of wheat flour in some areas of Punjab. On Saturday, the Pakistan government decided to keep its western borders with Iran and Afghanistan and eastern border with India closed for two more weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Security Moeed Yusuf said the move was taken in the wake of increasing COVID-19 cases in the country. He also announced that all flights will remain suspended in the country till April 4. However, there will be exceptions if a country makes a special request to repatriate its citizens.

Coronavirus: Virus continues to spread in Pakistan as 1,625 cases reported

Former Pakistan batsman Javed Miandad has revealed with a strange disease during their World Cup final against England in the reference to the novel coronavirus which has infected nearly 500,000 people across the globe.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sachin-tendulkar-steps-forward-again-donates-rs-50-lakh-to-fight-covid-19-288859" hreflang="en">Sachin Tendulkar steps forward again, donates Rs 50 lakh to fight COVID-19</a>

He spoke about this on the occasion of the 18th anniversary of Pakistan's maiden ODI World cup win in 1992.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-can-wait-till-situation-gets-normal-says-rohit-sharma-as-india-continues-to-battle-accelerated-covid-19-288842" hreflang="en">IPL can wait till situation gets normal, says Rohit Sharma as India continues to battle accelerated COVID-19</a>

"When I look back at the video clippings of that final, I still can’t understand how we ended up winning that World Cup. When we were batting, we were losing wickets early, my only aim was to just stand there and not lose my wicket.

"I was in a lot of discomfort. I was down with a viral infection which affected my running. And if you remember correctly, I couldn’t even play my shots towards the end of the innings," Miandad said in his Youtube channel.

“I couldn’t understand what exactly my problem was. I was infected with some peculiar virus because of which I used to sweat a lot. I even consulted doctors but my condition towards the end of our innings in the final was such that I couldn’t play a shot, I was just standing there. At the other end, I had Imran (Khan). We forged a partnership and batted the full 50 overs to put up a respectable score,” Miandad said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2cMaIYtIkyg" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Former Pakistan batsman Javed Miandad has revealed with a strange disease during their World Cup final against England in the reference to the novel coronavirus which has infected nearly 500,000 people across the globe.

Former Pakistan batsman Javed Miandad has revealed with a strange disease during their World Cup final against England in the reference to the novel coronavirus which has infected nearly 500,000 people across the globe. Also read: Sachin Tendulkar steps forward again, donates Rs 50 lakh to fight COVID-19 He spoke about this on the occasion of the 18th anniversary of Pakistan's maiden ODI World cup win in 1992. Also read: IPL can wait till situation gets normal, says Rohit Sharma as India continues to battle accelerated COVID-19 "When I look back at the video clippings of that final, I still can’t understand how we ended up winning that World Cup. When we were batting, we were losing wickets early, my only aim was to just stand there and not lose my wicket. "I was in a lot of discomfort. I was down with a viral infection which affected my running. And if you remember correctly, I couldn’t even play my shots towards the end of the innings," Miandad said in his Youtube channel. “I couldn’t understand what exactly my problem was. I was infected with some peculiar virus because of which I used to sweat a lot. I even consulted doctors but my condition towards the end of our innings in the final was such that I couldn’t play a shot, I was just standing there. At the other end, I had Imran (Khan). We forged a partnership and batted the full 50 overs to put up a respectable score,” Miandad said. ×

Watch: ‘Was infected with virus’, Javed Miandad reveals struggle during 1992 World Cup final

Pakistan remains under lockdown for all practical purposes, with no domestic or international flights taking off or landing. 
&nbsp; 
However, the biggest challenge in the battle against the coronavirus,&nbsp;for the government is the Islamists who do not&nbsp;want to follow quarantine guidelines, placed after the global&nbsp;outbreak.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-in-pakistan-number-of-case-cross-1000-7-dead-288434">Coronavirus in Pakistan: Number of case cross 1000, 7 dead</a>

The government is yet to ban them from Friday congregations as Imran Khan fears that it could result in a backlash. 
&nbsp; 
But the challenge at hand remains. Pakistan is listed as being an exporter of the novel coronavirus. In a recent case, at least two Palestinians tested positive for the coronavirus. They had attended a large religious congregation in Lahore, namely the Raiwind Ijtima.

An Islamic outfit, Tableeghi Jamaat went ahead with an estimated 50,000-plus congregation at Raiwind. The 40-day-long congregation was subsequently called off after the intervention of the Punjab government.

This is being seen as a one-off event which has led to a sharp increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.

Participants from Malaysia are also reported to have tested positive for the virus, and it is assumed that they had contracted the infection during the religious gathering.

While most of the attendees decided to head back to their countries, some stayed back; and 6 of those who stayed back, part of a group from Kyrgyzstan.

In the wee hours of Wednesday, a Kyrgyz national was tested in Islamabad for COVID-19.&nbsp;

The Kyrgyz national tested&nbsp;positive and had to be tracked him through the location of his mobile, only to discover that he was being hosted at a local mosque on the outskirts of Islamabad. &nbsp;

The whole area went under lockdown and 8,000 people were tested. In the process, another 6 people turned out to be COVID-19 positives.

Pakistan remains under lockdown for all practical purposes, with no domestic or international flights taking off or landing. However, the biggest challenge in the battle against the coronavirus, for the government is the Islamists who do not want to follow quarantine guidelines, placed after the global outbreak.

Pakistan remains under lockdown for all practical purposes, with no domestic or international flights taking off or landing. However, the biggest challenge in the battle against the coronavirus, for the government is the Islamists who do not want to follow quarantine guidelines, placed after the global outbreak. Also read: Coronavirus in Pakistan: Number of case cross 1000, 7 dead The government is yet to ban them from Friday congregations as Imran Khan fears that it could result in a backlash. But the challenge at hand remains. Pakistan is listed as being an exporter of the novel coronavirus. In a recent case, at least two Palestinians tested positive for the coronavirus. They had attended a large religious congregation in Lahore, namely the Raiwind Ijtima. An Islamic outfit, Tableeghi Jamaat went ahead with an estimated 50,000-plus congregation at Raiwind. The 40-day-long congregation was subsequently called off after the intervention of the Punjab government. This is being seen as a one-off event which has led to a sharp increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. Participants from Malaysia are also reported to have tested positive for the virus, and it is assumed that they had contracted the infection during the religious gathering. While most of the attendees decided to head back to their countries, some stayed back; and 6 of those who stayed back, part of a group from Kyrgyzstan. In the wee hours of Wednesday, a Kyrgyz national was tested in Islamabad for COVID-19. The Kyrgyz national tested positive and had to be tracked him through the location of his mobile, only to discover that he was being hosted at a local mosque on the outskirts of Islamabad. The whole area went under lockdown and 8,000 people were tested. In the process, another 6 people turned out to be COVID-19 positives.

Amid coronavirus outbreak, Pakistan fears religious congregations

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Kahn on Sunday rejected the proposal for the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-number-of-confirmed-coronavirus-cases-rise-to-764-5-dead-287954"> complete lockdown</a> to combat the coronavirus outbreak, saying that state-imposed curfew is not possible in the country as one-fourth of its population is under the below&nbsp;the poverty line and survives on daily wages.

"A complete lockdown means imposing a curfew administered by state and army, forcing people to stay indoors. Our country`s 25 per cent population lives below the poverty line and survives on daily wages. We are taking steps, keeping our on-ground status in mind," Pakistan Prime Minister`s Office wrote on Twitter.

"We need to be responsible for ourselves and our elderly. We need to practice social distancing, self-isolation and self-quarantine to keep us and everyone else safe," he added.

Khan also advised people against spreading panic, saying that it will lead to chaos.

"We do not need to panic as it will only lead to chaos. People will start hoarding and may cause a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/confirmed-coronavirus-cases-spike-in-pakistan-total-at-687-287830">shortage of food</a>. This will lead to grave consequences. We are making every effort to ease the sufferings of our people during this crisis," Khan said.

"Our media has an important role in stopping panic among the masses. Panic can be more fatal than the Pandemic itself. Hence act responsibly and practice precautions to save not only yourself but the vulnerable ones too," he added.&nbsp;

The country has 764&nbsp;COVID-19 positive cases and five deaths so far.&nbsp;

A total of 41 new cases were confirmed in Sindh on Saturday, taking the provincial tally to 333, according to Sindh Health Department spokesperson Meeran Yousuf.

The total number of cases in Karachi is 123, while 210 positive cases among the pilgrims from Taftan in Sukkur.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Kahn on Sunday rejected the proposal for the complete lockdown to combat the coronavirus outbreak, saying that state-imposed curfew is not possible in the country as one-fourth of its population is under the below the poverty line and survives on daily wages.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Kahn on Sunday rejected the proposal for the complete lockdown to combat the coronavirus outbreak, saying that state-imposed curfew is not possible in the country as one-fourth of its population is under the below the poverty line and survives on daily wages. "A complete lockdown means imposing a curfew administered by state and army, forcing people to stay indoors. Our country`s 25 per cent population lives below the poverty line and survives on daily wages. We are taking steps, keeping our on-ground status in mind," Pakistan Prime Minister`s Office wrote on Twitter. "We need to be responsible for ourselves and our elderly. We need to practice social distancing, self-isolation and self-quarantine to keep us and everyone else safe," he added. Khan also advised people against spreading panic, saying that it will lead to chaos. "We do not need to panic as it will only lead to chaos. People will start hoarding and may cause a shortage of food. This will lead to grave consequences. We are making every effort to ease the sufferings of our people during this crisis," Khan said. "Our media has an important role in stopping panic among the masses. Panic can be more fatal than the Pandemic itself. Hence act responsibly and practice precautions to save not only yourself but the vulnerable ones too," he added. The country has 764 COVID-19 positive cases and five deaths so far. A total of 41 new cases were confirmed in Sindh on Saturday, taking the provincial tally to 333, according to Sindh Health Department spokesperson Meeran Yousuf. The total number of cases in Karachi is 123, while 210 positive cases among the pilgrims from Taftan in Sukkur. (With inputs from ANI)

Can't impose lockdown in Pakistan as one-fourth of population survives on daily wages: Imran Khan

To handle the situation of Coronavirus in Pakistan, Interior ministry issued a notification to deploy army for the first time in Pakistan

Army called for the first time in Pak, PM refuses to invoke lockdown

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 764 in Pakistan on Sunday as Prime Minister Imran Khan refused <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/confirmed-coronavirus-cases-spike-in-pakistan-total-at-687-287830">country-wide lockdown</a> as the preventive measures.

Pakistan's Singh province remained the worst-hit with 333 cases which was followed by Punjab with 225 cases. While Balochistan recorded 108 cases. 
&nbsp; 
Meanwhile, Pak&nbsp;PM while addressing the nation refused to put the country under lockdown saying that it will create chaos as the 25% of the citizens live under the poverty line and it will shatter their lives.

Khan urged people to self-quarantine to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic which has claimed at least five lives in the country.

He also said the situation in Pakistan does not call for a lockdown yet.

The government on Saturday suspended all international flights for two weeks and curtailed train services to curb the spread of the virus, which has turned into a major global crisis.

Pakistan's biggest city and its financial hub, Karachi in the southern Sindh province is set to go into complete lockdown from midnight after the provincial government confirmed 41 new coronavirus cases.

Meanwhile, a petition has been filed in the Supreme Court on Saturday, seeking directions to the federal and provincial governments for effectively dealing with the coronavirus outbreak.

Petitioners requested the court to order the federal government to declare a national public health emergency across the country, establish an emergency relief fund, and order utilisation of the dam fund for combating the dreadful virus, the News reported.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 764 in Pakistan on Sunday as Prime Minister Imran Khan refused country-wide lockdown as the preventive measures.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 764 in Pakistan on Sunday as Prime Minister Imran Khan refused country-wide lockdown as the preventive measures. Pakistan's Singh province remained the worst-hit with 333 cases which was followed by Punjab with 225 cases. While Balochistan recorded 108 cases. Meanwhile, Pak PM while addressing the nation refused to put the country under lockdown saying that it will create chaos as the 25% of the citizens live under the poverty line and it will shatter their lives. Khan urged people to self-quarantine to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic which has claimed at least five lives in the country. He also said the situation in Pakistan does not call for a lockdown yet. The government on Saturday suspended all international flights for two weeks and curtailed train services to curb the spread of the virus, which has turned into a major global crisis. Pakistan's biggest city and its financial hub, Karachi in the southern Sindh province is set to go into complete lockdown from midnight after the provincial government confirmed 41 new coronavirus cases. Meanwhile, a petition has been filed in the Supreme Court on Saturday, seeking directions to the federal and provincial governments for effectively dealing with the coronavirus outbreak. Petitioners requested the court to order the federal government to declare a national public health emergency across the country, establish an emergency relief fund, and order utilisation of the dam fund for combating the dreadful virus, the News reported.

Pakistan: Number of confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 764; 5 dead

Pakistan Prime Minister on Sunday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pak-pm-imran-khan-pleads-international-community-to-lift-sanctions-on-iran-amid-coronavirus-scare-287679">urged the United States to lift the crippling economic sanctions</a> imposed on Iran until the coronavirus pandemic is over.

Taking to Twitter to appeal the US, Imran Khan said, &nbsp;"The people of Iran are facing untold suffering as sanctions are crippling Iran's efforts to fight COVID19."

"I want to appeal to President Trump on humanitarian grounds to lift the sanctions against Iran till the COVID19 pandemic is over. The people of Iran are facing untold suffering as sanctions are crippling Iran's efforts to fight COVID19. &nbsp;Humanity must unite to fight this pandemic," Khan wrote on the micro-blogging site.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I want to appeal to President Trump on humanitarian grounds to lift the sanctions against Iran till the COVID19 pandemic is over. The people of Iran are facing untold suffering as sanctions are crippling Iran's efforts to fight COVID19. Humanity must unite to fight this pandemic
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1241697736703049729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The latest development comes days after Iranian President Rouhani wrote global leaders on how American sanctions are impacting its fight against coronavirus crisis in the Ismalic Republic.&nbsp;

"It is IMMORAL to let a bully kill innocents," country's Foreign Minister said while informing about the letter.

The US has said that the spread of the coronavirus will not save it from their sanctions that are choking off its oil revenues and isolating its economy.

The United State argues that its “maximum pressure” campaign to curb Iran’s nuclear, missile and regional activities does not stop the flow of humanitarian goods, imposed new sanctions this week.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held a telephonic conversation with his Iranian counterpart and expressed deep concern and sorrow over the tragic loss of lives due to the on-going pandemic.

The Foreign Minister also commended the government and people of Iran for valiantly combating the coronavirus outbreak.

Iran is one of the worst-hit countries from coronavirus after Italy and China.&nbsp;

The death toll reached 1,685 with 129 deaths in the past 24 hours, the Iran health ministry announced earlier in the day. The total number of infected people in Iran have reached 21,638.

"There were 1,028 new confirmed infected cases in the past 24 hours ... and 7,913 people have recovered," said Kianush Jahanpur.

Pakistan Prime Minister on Sunday urged the United States to lift the crippling economic sanctions imposed on Iran until the coronavirus pandemic is over. Taking to Twitter to appeal the US, Imran Khan said, "The people of Iran are facing untold suffering as sanctions are crippling Iran's efforts to fight COVID19.

Pakistan Prime Minister on Sunday urged the United States to lift the crippling economic sanctions imposed on Iran until the coronavirus pandemic is over. Taking to Twitter to appeal the US, Imran Khan said, "The people of Iran are facing untold suffering as sanctions are crippling Iran's efforts to fight COVID19." "I want to appeal to President Trump on humanitarian grounds to lift the sanctions against Iran till the COVID19 pandemic is over. The people of Iran are facing untold suffering as sanctions are crippling Iran's efforts to fight COVID19. Humanity must unite to fight this pandemic," Khan wrote on the micro-blogging site. I want to appeal to President Trump on humanitarian grounds to lift the sanctions against Iran till the COVID19 pandemic is over. The people of Iran are facing untold suffering as sanctions are crippling Iran's efforts to fight COVID19. Humanity must unite to fight this pandemic — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 22, 2020 × The latest development comes days after Iranian President Rouhani wrote global leaders on how American sanctions are impacting its fight against coronavirus crisis in the Ismalic Republic. "It is IMMORAL to let a bully kill innocents," country's Foreign Minister said while informing about the letter. The US has said that the spread of the coronavirus will not save it from their sanctions that are choking off its oil revenues and isolating its economy. The United State argues that its “maximum pressure” campaign to curb Iran’s nuclear, missile and regional activities does not stop the flow of humanitarian goods, imposed new sanctions this week. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held a telephonic conversation with his Iranian counterpart and expressed deep concern and sorrow over the tragic loss of lives due to the on-going pandemic. The Foreign Minister also commended the government and people of Iran for valiantly combating the coronavirus outbreak. Iran is one of the worst-hit countries from coronavirus after Italy and China. The death toll reached 1,685 with 129 deaths in the past 24 hours, the Iran health ministry announced earlier in the day. The total number of infected people in Iran have reached 21,638. "There were 1,028 new confirmed infected cases in the past 24 hours ... and 7,913 people have recovered," said Kianush Jahanpur.

Pakistan PM appeals US to lift crippling sanctions from Iran until coronavirus pandemic is over

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases rose sharply in Pakistan&nbsp;to 237 on Tuesday.

The number increased after conflicting statements were made by authorities on the nation's first casualty due to the viral infection even as&nbsp;Prime Minister Imran Khan's warning that he fears Pakistan won't be able to cope with a major outbreak, saying the country's health facilities would be overwhelmed and would lack resources.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-lack-healthcare-facilities-would-be-devastated-if-swamped-by-covid-19-imran-khan-287033">We lack healthcare facilities, would be devastated if swamped by Covid-19: Imran Khan</a>

The Sindh province is the worst-hit with 172 cases, followed by 26 in Punjab, 16 each in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, five&nbsp;in Gilgit-Baltistan and two&nbsp;in Islamabad.

Addressing the nation on the government's efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak, Prime Minister Imran Khan warned that the viral infection will spread further in the country.

"I want to tell you that this virus will spread. As you have seen, it will spread, as it is spreading in the world and especially in countries that are far advance than us," he said in a&nbsp;television interview.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-reports-first-coronavirus-death-in-lahore-286945">Pakistan reports first coronavirus death in Lahore</a>

He said &nbsp;9,00,000 people have been screened so far at airports across Pakistan, as part of government's measures to combat COVID-19.

Khan said the government rejected a proposal to close down cities as it will hit hard poor people "will die of hunger".

He said the government has set up a National Coordination Committee, supported by a core panel of medical experts, to combat the spread of coronavirus.

Khan said the government has also set up a committee to offset the economic impact of the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, there were conflicting statements on the first coronavirus death in Pakistan.

Earlier, Punjab Health Minister Yasmin Rashid in a press conference in Lahore confirmed Pakistan's first casualty due to the novel coronavirus.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases rose sharply in Pakistan to 237 on Tuesday. The number increased after conflicting statements were made by authorities on the nation's first casualty due to the viral infection even as Prime Minister Imran Khan's warning that he fears Pakistan won't be able to cope with a major outbreak, saying the country's health facilities would be overwhelmed and would lack resources.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases rose sharply in Pakistan to 237 on Tuesday. The number increased after conflicting statements were made by authorities on the nation's first casualty due to the viral infection even as Prime Minister Imran Khan's warning that he fears Pakistan won't be able to cope with a major outbreak, saying the country's health facilities would be overwhelmed and would lack resources. Also read: We lack healthcare facilities, would be devastated if swamped by Covid-19: Imran Khan The Sindh province is the worst-hit with 172 cases, followed by 26 in Punjab, 16 each in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, five in Gilgit-Baltistan and two in Islamabad. Addressing the nation on the government's efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak, Prime Minister Imran Khan warned that the viral infection will spread further in the country. "I want to tell you that this virus will spread. As you have seen, it will spread, as it is spreading in the world and especially in countries that are far advance than us," he said in a television interview. Also read: Pakistan reports first coronavirus death in Lahore He said 9,00,000 people have been screened so far at airports across Pakistan, as part of government's measures to combat COVID-19. Khan said the government rejected a proposal to close down cities as it will hit hard poor people "will die of hunger". He said the government has set up a National Coordination Committee, supported by a core panel of medical experts, to combat the spread of coronavirus. Khan said the government has also set up a committee to offset the economic impact of the coronavirus. Meanwhile, there were conflicting statements on the first coronavirus death in Pakistan. Earlier, Punjab Health Minister Yasmin Rashid in a press conference in Lahore confirmed Pakistan's first casualty due to the novel coronavirus.

Coronavirus confirmed cases surge to 237 in Pakistan

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed grave concerns over Covid-19 saying that it can destroy and devastate economies of developing countries. He said the international community should be willing to waive off loans to these nations in case the situation worsens.

Covid-19 could destroy Pakistan, suggests PM Imran Khan

At a time when Pakistan is struggling to contain the Coronavirus outbreak, Pakistani leaders are raising their Kashmir agenda in China. Palki Sharma tells you how the Imran Khan government neglected the coronavirus threat.

Gravitas: How Pakistan is ignoring the Coronavirus threat

Pakistan PM Imran Khan shows his fear on the outbreak of Coronavirus. Imran khan says, Pakistan is not ready to handle the situation as country have poor health system.

WION Dispatch: Pak PM fears on Covid's outbreak

While the Saarc video conference was attended by either the heads of states or the heads of governments, of South Asian nations, a notable miss was Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan.

Imran Khan was represented by his special advisor on health Zafar Mirza.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/collective-response-needed-to-tackle-coronavirus-outbreak-saarc-leaders-286546">Collective response needed to tackle coronavirus outbreak: SAARC leaders&nbsp;</a>

What this goes on to demonstrate is that perhaps Pak prime minister did not find the novel coronavirus an issue pressing enough.

Sources within the Indian ministry of external affairs have hit out at what they call was a politicisation of a regional platform in times of duress.

Sources also said that it was petty and churlish of Imran Khan not to attend the video conference.

While leaders from all other nations thanked prime minister Narendra Modi for getting them together in the saarc video conference. Pak's representative Zafar Mirza subtly bypassed this.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-must-act-succeed-together-pm-modi-at-saarc-conference-286516">'We must act, succeed together': PM Modi at SAARC conference</a>

He began his address by wishing good health to Nepalese pm Kp Sharma Oli and moved on with a status report on how Pakistan was dealing with the virus.

Zafar Mirza didn't even acknowledge the Indian prime minister.

What also came as a total surprise was the mention of china.

Saarc is a group of south Asian nations. China is not a south Asian nation hence, not a member.

But Pakistan made it a point to praise China for its efforts in tackling coronavirus.

While the Saarc video conference was attended by either the heads of states or the heads of governments, of South Asian nations, a notable miss was Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan.

While the Saarc video conference was attended by either the heads of states or the heads of governments, of South Asian nations, a notable miss was Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan. Imran Khan was represented by his special advisor on health Zafar Mirza. Also Read: Collective response needed to tackle coronavirus outbreak: SAARC leaders What this goes on to demonstrate is that perhaps Pak prime minister did not find the novel coronavirus an issue pressing enough. Sources within the Indian ministry of external affairs have hit out at what they call was a politicisation of a regional platform in times of duress. Sources also said that it was petty and churlish of Imran Khan not to attend the video conference. While leaders from all other nations thanked prime minister Narendra Modi for getting them together in the saarc video conference. Pak's representative Zafar Mirza subtly bypassed this. Also Read: 'We must act, succeed together': PM Modi at SAARC conference He began his address by wishing good health to Nepalese pm Kp Sharma Oli and moved on with a status report on how Pakistan was dealing with the virus. Zafar Mirza didn't even acknowledge the Indian prime minister. What also came as a total surprise was the mention of china. Saarc is a group of south Asian nations. China is not a south Asian nation hence, not a member. But Pakistan made it a point to praise China for its efforts in tackling coronavirus.

Imran Khan misses SAARC video conference amid coronavirus outbreak

Hundreds of thousands of Islamic worshippers gathered in eastern Pakistan this week amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, ignoring government warnings that such events could propagate the disease.

Organisers late Thursday curtailed the annual Tablighi Ijtema congregation, which had drawn people from across the country but cited rainy weather as the cause.

The early closure came after about 250,000 people had already congregated in camps near Lahore since Wednesday for the five-day festival.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pm-imran-khan-calls-nsc-to-discuss-strategy-to-combat-coronavirus-286062">PM Imran Khan calls NSC to discuss strategy to combat coronavirus</a>

"Most of the people have returned to their homes but still tens of thousands of people are here. They will return today," one of the event's organisers Ehsanullah, who goes by one name, told sources&nbsp;on Friday.

Pakistan has only recorded 21 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus and no deaths, but officials have tested fewer than 500 potential cases in the country of about 215 million, where health care is frequently inadequate.

Many countries are advising against large gatherings in a bid to slow the spread of the highly communicable virus. Some nations like France and Italy&nbsp;have banned them altogether.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pilgrims-returning-from-iran-produce-fake-coronavirus-clearance-certificate-report-285976">Pakistan pilgrims returning from Iran produce 'fake' coronavirus clearance certificate: Report</a>

The federal government has yet to enforce nationwide measures to contain a possible outbreak, leaving provinces to act independently. Organisers of the Tablighi Ijtema were free to ignore government advice to postpone.

"The government asked us to cancel the gathering because of the coronavirus, but our elders and organisers decided that the gathering will proceed as planned," Ehsanullah said.

The movement was founded by religious scholars more than five decades ago and focuses exclusively on preaching Islam.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-pushes-ahead-with-psl-2020-despite-coronavirus-fears-285934">Pakistan pushes ahead with PSL 2020 despite coronavirus fears</a>

It usually sees hundreds of camps and sub-camps set up on a dusty site outside Lahore to accommodate people from across Pakistan, giving the gathering a festival feel.

Schools in three of Pakistan's four provinces are closed for March and authorities are conducting basic screenings of passengers arriving by air from overseas.

Prime Minister Imran Khan was set to meet with his national security team later Friday to discuss the global coronavirus crisis.

Hundreds of thousands of Islamic worshippers gathered in eastern Pakistan this week amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, ignoring government warnings that such events could propagate the disease.

Hundreds of thousands of Islamic worshippers gathered in eastern Pakistan this week amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, ignoring government warnings that such events could propagate the disease. Organisers late Thursday curtailed the annual Tablighi Ijtema congregation, which had drawn people from across the country but cited rainy weather as the cause. The early closure came after about 250,000 people had already congregated in camps near Lahore since Wednesday for the five-day festival. Also read: PM Imran Khan calls NSC to discuss strategy to combat coronavirus "Most of the people have returned to their homes but still tens of thousands of people are here. They will return today," one of the event's organisers Ehsanullah, who goes by one name, told sources on Friday. Pakistan has only recorded 21 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus and no deaths, but officials have tested fewer than 500 potential cases in the country of about 215 million, where health care is frequently inadequate. Many countries are advising against large gatherings in a bid to slow the spread of the highly communicable virus. Some nations like France and Italy have banned them altogether. Also see: Pakistan pilgrims returning from Iran produce 'fake' coronavirus clearance certificate: Report The federal government has yet to enforce nationwide measures to contain a possible outbreak, leaving provinces to act independently. Organisers of the Tablighi Ijtema were free to ignore government advice to postpone. "The government asked us to cancel the gathering because of the coronavirus, but our elders and organisers decided that the gathering will proceed as planned," Ehsanullah said. The movement was founded by religious scholars more than five decades ago and focuses exclusively on preaching Islam. Also read: Pakistan pushes ahead with PSL 2020 despite coronavirus fears It usually sees hundreds of camps and sub-camps set up on a dusty site outside Lahore to accommodate people from across Pakistan, giving the gathering a festival feel. Schools in three of Pakistan's four provinces are closed for March and authorities are conducting basic screenings of passengers arriving by air from overseas. Prime Minister Imran Khan was set to meet with his national security team later Friday to discuss the global coronavirus crisis.

250,000 pilgrims mass in Pakistan despite coronavirus warnings

Pakistan is working to protect its citizens from the novel coronavirus and is ready to provide assistance to neighbours if needed, a top government official said on Wednesday, a day after the country reported a new infection, taking the number of confirmed cases to 21.

Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said the government was monitoring the situation very closely to limit the spread of coronavirus pandemic that has killed nearly 5,000 people.

"On coronavirus, as I said before that the Government of Pakistan is monitoring the situation very closely and will take measures required for the citizens within Pakistan and any assistance we can provide to our neighbouring countries," she said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pm-imran-khan-calls-nsc-to-discuss-strategy-to-combat-coronavirus-286062">PM Imran Khan calls NSC to discuss strategy to combat coronavirus</a>

Farooqui, however, did not comment on if Pakistan was ready to work with India to combat the deadly virus that first originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December last year.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday characterised the COVID-19 outbreak as a "pandemic" and expressed deep concern over its "alarming levels" of "spread, severity, as well as inaction".

The virus has claimed 4,925 lives and infected 131,500 people across 116 countries and territories.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-pushes-ahead-with-psl-2020-despite-coronavirus-fears-285934">Pakistan pushes ahead with PSL 2020 despite coronavirus fears</a>

To a question why Pakistan, like other countries, was not taking strict measures such as issuing travel advisories to contain the virus, the spokesperson said each country was taking measures in order to ensure safety of their citizens.

"It is the primary responsibility of those countries to take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Pakistan is also taking all the requisite steps at our borders and airports to ensure the safety of our people and control the spread of coronavirus," she was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pilgrims-returning-from-iran-produce-fake-coronavirus-clearance-certificate-report-285976">Pakistan pilgrims returning from Iran produce 'fake' coronavirus clearance certificate: Report</a>

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has summoned a meeting of National Security Committee to discuss the threat of coronavirus.

The total number of cases in Pakistan rose to 21 after a 31-year-old resident of Gilgit Baltistan was tested positive for the coronavirus on Friday.

Sindh has the highest 15 cases. The Sindh government has announced that all educational institutions will remain closed till May 31 to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Pakistan is working to protect its citizens from the novel coronavirus and is ready to provide assistance to neighbours if needed, a top government official said on Wednesday, a day after the country reported a new infection, taking the number of confirmed cases to 21.

Pakistan is working to protect its citizens from the novel coronavirus and is ready to provide assistance to neighbours if needed, a top government official said on Wednesday, a day after the country reported a new infection, taking the number of confirmed cases to 21. Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said the government was monitoring the situation very closely to limit the spread of coronavirus pandemic that has killed nearly 5,000 people. "On coronavirus, as I said before that the Government of Pakistan is monitoring the situation very closely and will take measures required for the citizens within Pakistan and any assistance we can provide to our neighbouring countries," she said. Also read: PM Imran Khan calls NSC to discuss strategy to combat coronavirus Farooqui, however, did not comment on if Pakistan was ready to work with India to combat the deadly virus that first originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December last year. The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday characterised the COVID-19 outbreak as a "pandemic" and expressed deep concern over its "alarming levels" of "spread, severity, as well as inaction". The virus has claimed 4,925 lives and infected 131,500 people across 116 countries and territories. Also see: Pakistan pushes ahead with PSL 2020 despite coronavirus fears To a question why Pakistan, like other countries, was not taking strict measures such as issuing travel advisories to contain the virus, the spokesperson said each country was taking measures in order to ensure safety of their citizens. "It is the primary responsibility of those countries to take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Pakistan is also taking all the requisite steps at our borders and airports to ensure the safety of our people and control the spread of coronavirus," she was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune. Also read: Pakistan pilgrims returning from Iran produce 'fake' coronavirus clearance certificate: Report Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has summoned a meeting of National Security Committee to discuss the threat of coronavirus. The total number of cases in Pakistan rose to 21 after a 31-year-old resident of Gilgit Baltistan was tested positive for the coronavirus on Friday. Sindh has the highest 15 cases. The Sindh government has announced that all educational institutions will remain closed till May 31 to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Pakistan working to protect its citizens, ready to help neighbours to combat coronavirus

To mark International Women’s Day on Sunday, thousands of women took to the streets of Pakistan and marched through the capital of Islamabad. Stone, shoes pelted on them.

WION Fineprint: Stones,shoes greet to Pakistani women

US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper will likely be visiting Pakistan in the third week of March 2020, sources in the Pakistani government confirmed to WION.

The dates for Mark Esper’s visit to Pakistan will either be March 18 or &nbsp;March 19, the sources said.

During the visit, Esper is likely to have a courtesy call with the Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. The talks would focus on bilateral security cooperation as the US gears up to exit from Afghanistan.

The sources also said that Esper’s visit would be a follow up to the talks and bilateral meeting held between Pakistani PM Khan and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum held in Davos in January.

Earlier, the US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross also visited Pakistan, right after he visited India in February 2020.

The visit of Mark Esper to Pakistan comes in the backdrop of Taliban deal where Pakistan was seen as a key facilitator and enabler of the peace pact.

The US has already suspended the Coalition Support Funds to Pakistan, the reimbursements worth $ 9.8 Billion which the US owes to Pakistan for utilising Pakistani territory during its war on terror in Afghanistan.

The United States had also suspended the military training program for Pakistan but restored in December last year.

A matter of the Coalition support fund is likely to be taken up during the bilateral talks.

On July 23 last year, Esper took charge as the Secretary of Defence of United States.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper will likely be visiting Pakistan in the third week of March 2020, sources in the Pakistani government confirmed to WION. The dates for Mark Esper’s visit to Pakistan will either be March 18 or March 19, the sources said.

US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper will likely be visiting Pakistan in the third week of March 2020, sources in the Pakistani government confirmed to WION. The dates for Mark Esper’s visit to Pakistan will either be March 18 or March 19, the sources said. During the visit, Esper is likely to have a courtesy call with the Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. The talks would focus on bilateral security cooperation as the US gears up to exit from Afghanistan. The sources also said that Esper’s visit would be a follow up to the talks and bilateral meeting held between Pakistani PM Khan and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum held in Davos in January. Earlier, the US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross also visited Pakistan, right after he visited India in February 2020. The visit of Mark Esper to Pakistan comes in the backdrop of Taliban deal where Pakistan was seen as a key facilitator and enabler of the peace pact. The US has already suspended the Coalition Support Funds to Pakistan, the reimbursements worth $ 9.8 Billion which the US owes to Pakistan for utilising Pakistani territory during its war on terror in Afghanistan. The United States had also suspended the military training program for Pakistan but restored in December last year. A matter of the Coalition support fund is likely to be taken up during the bilateral talks. On July 23 last year, Esper took charge as the Secretary of Defence of United States.

US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper likely to visit Pakistan in March: Sources

"Genuine leadership, party workers are completely lost in Pakistan," said senior journalist and broadcaster Reham Khan on WION's Global Summit 2020 when asked whether Pakistan's politics can be recalibrated.&nbsp;

The theme of the session was: "Balancing and Recalibrating Pakistan’s Diplomatic Strategy: Economy, Security and Internal Political Stability". The other panellists in the session were: Pakistan's former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and former foreign secretary Salman Bashir.&nbsp;

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-leaders-watch-wion-for-factual-researched-coverage-wion-global-summit-sudhir-chaudhary-284442/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONGlobalSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONGlobalSummit</a> | Session 3: Balancing and Recalibrating Pakistan’s Diplomatic Strategy 
 
"There needs to be political will for peace from both India and Pakistan", says <a href="https://twitter.com/Salman_B_PK?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Salman_B_PK</a>, Former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wionDubaiSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wionDubaiSummit</a> <a href="https://t.co/Dt7j27cOqY">pic.twitter.com/Dt7j27cOqY</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1235523483423002624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"It's sad to see Maryam Nawaz Sharif not being able to represent in Parliament. We need to encourage student leadership. We really need to encourage young leaders, we have seen some of the most sensible voices coming from women in India and Pakistan," Reham said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-global-summit-this-era-is-witnessing-end-of-western-dominance-says-sri-lankas-former-pm-ranil-wickremesinghe-284451">WION Global Summit: This era is witnessing end of western dominance, says Sri Lanka's former PM Ranil Wickremesinghe</a>

Mahmud Kasuri, who was foreign minister when military dictator Pervez Musharraf was in power, claimed that in 2006 Pakistan invited former Indian PM Manmohan Singh to sign an agreement on Sir Creek.&nbsp;

"We wanted to prove to the world that India and Pakistan could change things bilaterally...unfortunately, we said March when Musharraf went hell lose", said Mahmud Kasuri.&nbsp;

Mahmud Kasuri also said that Pakistan's relations with the United States took a nosedive since 2011. However, he said that US President Donald Trump repeatedly insisted on mediations to resolve the issue of Jammu and Kashmir despite New Delhi's reservations.&nbsp;

Kasuri said that only China and the US can play a role in resolving the issue. "The US has a slight tilt towards India," Kasuri said.&nbsp;

Salman Bashir said that religious tourism like opening up Kartarpur Corridor could act as important steps.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Genuine leadership, party workers are completely lost in Pakistan," said senior journalist and broadcaster Reham Khan on WION's Global Summit 2020 when asked whether Pakistan's politics can be recalibrated.

"Genuine leadership, party workers are completely lost in Pakistan," said senior journalist and broadcaster Reham Khan on WION's Global Summit 2020 when asked whether Pakistan's politics can be recalibrated. The theme of the session was: "Balancing and Recalibrating Pakistan’s Diplomatic Strategy: Economy, Security and Internal Political Stability". The other panellists in the session were: Pakistan's former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and former foreign secretary Salman Bashir. Watch: #WIONGlobalSummit | Session 3: Balancing and Recalibrating Pakistan’s Diplomatic Strategy "There needs to be political will for peace from both India and Pakistan", says @Salman_B_PK, Former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan#wionDubaiSummit pic.twitter.com/Dt7j27cOqY — WION (@WIONews) March 5, 2020 × "It's sad to see Maryam Nawaz Sharif not being able to represent in Parliament. We need to encourage student leadership. We really need to encourage young leaders, we have seen some of the most sensible voices coming from women in India and Pakistan," Reham said. Also read: WION Global Summit: This era is witnessing end of western dominance, says Sri Lanka's former PM Ranil Wickremesinghe Mahmud Kasuri, who was foreign minister when military dictator Pervez Musharraf was in power, claimed that in 2006 Pakistan invited former Indian PM Manmohan Singh to sign an agreement on Sir Creek. "We wanted to prove to the world that India and Pakistan could change things bilaterally...unfortunately, we said March when Musharraf went hell lose", said Mahmud Kasuri. Mahmud Kasuri also said that Pakistan's relations with the United States took a nosedive since 2011. However, he said that US President Donald Trump repeatedly insisted on mediations to resolve the issue of Jammu and Kashmir despite New Delhi's reservations. Kasuri said that only China and the US can play a role in resolving the issue. "The US has a slight tilt towards India," Kasuri said. Salman Bashir said that religious tourism like opening up Kartarpur Corridor could act as important steps.

Genuine leadership completely lost in Pakistan: Reham Khan

The United States has launched an alliance of “like-minded partners who treasure, and fight for, international religious freedom for every human being.”

Their first step in this endeavour to foster global understanding and harmony was to condemn Pakistan for not protecting the religious freedom of its minorities, including the Hindus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-a-hub-of-forced-conversion-accuses-india-of-totalitarianism-and-racism-276082">Also read: Pakistan, a hub of forced conversion accuses India of totalitarianism and racism</a>

Comments on this were made by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during the launch of the International Religious Freedom Alliance, comprising of 27 nations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/for-pakistan-pm-atrocities-over-2-million-muslims-is-nothing-says-he-wont-criticise-china-because-they-helped-us-276092">Also read: For Pakistan PM, atrocities over 2 million Uighur Muslims is 'nothing', says he won't criticise China because 'they helped us'</a>

Pompeo stated that the US condemns "terrorists and violent extremists who target religious minorities," adding that they do so irrespective of whether they may be the Yazidis in Iraq, Hindus in Pakistan, Christians in northeast Nigeria, or Muslims in Burma.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dont-know-much-about-imran-khan-on-situation-of-uighurs-muslims-in-china-249715">Also read: 'Don't know much about' —&nbsp;Imran Khan on situation of Uighurs Muslims in China</a>

Statements from the US official comes soon after India amended legislation to grant citizenship to migrants from six minority communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who entered the country after December 31, 2014.

Among the prominent nations to have joined this alliance are Australia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Israel, Ukraine, the Netherlands and Greece. 
&nbsp; 
The participating nations, as per Senior State Department officials, are to discuss the areas that they shall be focussing on, such as technology and religious oppression, blasphemy and apostasy laws, etc.

The alliance will be deliberating statements, discussing the initiatives taken by international bodies which they will support and agreeing on situations where imposing sanctions is a feasible possibility.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, one official stated that this is a consensual body and that every nation is not bound to join in each of the items that come forth.

The United States has launched an alliance of “like-minded partners who treasure, and fight for, international religious freedom for every human being.” Their first step in this endeavour to foster global understanding and harmony was to condemn Pakistan for not protecting the religious freedom of its minorities, including the Hindus.

The United States has launched an alliance of “like-minded partners who treasure, and fight for, international religious freedom for every human being.” Their first step in this endeavour to foster global understanding and harmony was to condemn Pakistan for not protecting the religious freedom of its minorities, including the Hindus. Also read: Pakistan, a hub of forced conversion accuses India of totalitarianism and racism Comments on this were made by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during the launch of the International Religious Freedom Alliance, comprising of 27 nations. Also read: For Pakistan PM, atrocities over 2 million Uighur Muslims is 'nothing', says he won't criticise China because 'they helped us' Pompeo stated that the US condemns "terrorists and violent extremists who target religious minorities," adding that they do so irrespective of whether they may be the Yazidis in Iraq, Hindus in Pakistan, Christians in northeast Nigeria, or Muslims in Burma. Also read: 'Don't know much about' — Imran Khan on situation of Uighurs Muslims in China Statements from the US official comes soon after India amended legislation to grant citizenship to migrants from six minority communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who entered the country after December 31, 2014. Among the prominent nations to have joined this alliance are Australia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Israel, Ukraine, the Netherlands and Greece. The participating nations, as per Senior State Department officials, are to discuss the areas that they shall be focussing on, such as technology and religious oppression, blasphemy and apostasy laws, etc. The alliance will be deliberating statements, discussing the initiatives taken by international bodies which they will support and agreeing on situations where imposing sanctions is a feasible possibility. Speaking on condition of anonymity, one official stated that this is a consensual body and that every nation is not bound to join in each of the items that come forth.

US slams Pakistan for ignoring minority freedom during International Religious Freedom Alliance

The Pakistan government is pulling its heaviest punch against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

Imran Khan-led government has decided to move the UK authorities seeking deportation of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is currently in London for medical treatment.

The decision comes a week after the Punjab government refused to extend bail to Nawaz Sharif, saying that there is no legal, moral or medical ground to let him stay any longer in London.

The government says, "Sharif is enjoying a lavish lifestyle in London while corruption cases and jail sentences await him in Pakistan."

Accusing the media of being part of the Sharif nexus is most shocking. The government did not like it that a section of the media took Sharif's side, saying, "A criminal or not, he must be allowed to seek treatment in London on humanitarian grounds."

But, accusing the media of being part of the sharif nexus is most shocking.&nbsp;

Imran khan's political animosity with Sharif is quickly turning into a witch hunt and mutual political appreciation has turned to personal detestation.

All things aside, Imran Khan today desperately wants to see Nawaz Sharif behind bars. The authorities are still raiding his properties in Pakistan with the most recent one being carried out two weeks ago.

Nawaz Sharif's problems started in 2016 after the Panama papers scandal. The leaked documents showed Sharif's family holding millions of dollars worth of property and companies in the UK and around the world.

In 2018, after a 15-month-long trial, Pakistan's Supreme Court barred Nawaz Sharif from holding public office for life. Later, an anti-corruption court sentenced him to 10 years in prison in the money laundering case.

After sharif's repeated requests, in October last year, the Islamabad court took cognizance of his medical condition and granted bail.&nbsp;Sharif left for London in November, 2019.

Now, the Tehreek e Insaf-led government wants him to return.&nbsp;

Government spokespersons have been freely using the word 'absconder', but the court is yet to declare Sharif an absconder. It allows Imran Khan to put Sharif in a spot, pointing a finger at his unwillingness to return as a sign of guilt.

Sharif's party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN), has been accusing the Pakistan government ministers of playing politics over his health.

Nawaz Sharif has been Prime Minister of Pakistan three times and been removed from the office each time.&nbsp;

Sharif was most recently ousted as prime minister by Pakistan's Supreme Court in 2017, for being 'dishonest'&nbsp;by failing to report a monthly income of 10,000 Emirati dirhams ($2,723) from a company owned by his son.

 
&nbsp;

The Pakistan government is pulling its heaviest punch against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. Imran Khan-led government has decided to move the UK authorities seeking deportation of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is currently in London for medical treatment.

The Pakistan government is pulling its heaviest punch against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. Imran Khan-led government has decided to move the UK authorities seeking deportation of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is currently in London for medical treatment. The decision comes a week after the Punjab government refused to extend bail to Nawaz Sharif, saying that there is no legal, moral or medical ground to let him stay any longer in London. The government says, "Sharif is enjoying a lavish lifestyle in London while corruption cases and jail sentences await him in Pakistan." Accusing the media of being part of the Sharif nexus is most shocking. The government did not like it that a section of the media took Sharif's side, saying, "A criminal or not, he must be allowed to seek treatment in London on humanitarian grounds." But, accusing the media of being part of the sharif nexus is most shocking. Imran khan's political animosity with Sharif is quickly turning into a witch hunt and mutual political appreciation has turned to personal detestation. All things aside, Imran Khan today desperately wants to see Nawaz Sharif behind bars. The authorities are still raiding his properties in Pakistan with the most recent one being carried out two weeks ago. Nawaz Sharif's problems started in 2016 after the Panama papers scandal. The leaked documents showed Sharif's family holding millions of dollars worth of property and companies in the UK and around the world. In 2018, after a 15-month-long trial, Pakistan's Supreme Court barred Nawaz Sharif from holding public office for life. Later, an anti-corruption court sentenced him to 10 years in prison in the money laundering case. After sharif's repeated requests, in October last year, the Islamabad court took cognizance of his medical condition and granted bail. Sharif left for London in November, 2019. Now, the Tehreek e Insaf-led government wants him to return. Government spokespersons have been freely using the word 'absconder', but the court is yet to declare Sharif an absconder. It allows Imran Khan to put Sharif in a spot, pointing a finger at his unwillingness to return as a sign of guilt. Sharif's party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN), has been accusing the Pakistan government ministers of playing politics over his health. Nawaz Sharif has been Prime Minister of Pakistan three times and been removed from the office each time. Sharif was most recently ousted as prime minister by Pakistan's Supreme Court in 2017, for being 'dishonest' by failing to report a monthly income of 10,000 Emirati dirhams ($2,723) from a company owned by his son.

Is Nawaz Sharif victim of a political witch-hunt?

Pakistan has declared former prime minister Nawaz Sharif an "absconder"&nbsp;saying that it will now request the British government to deport Sharif from London where he currently resides.

The Imran Khan government accused Sharif of faking his illness. It said that the former prime minister had gone to London to look after his family's business interests and not to seek medical treatment.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-critical-picture-in-restaurant-goes-viral-274259">Nawaz Sharif critical? Picture in London restaurant goes viral</a>

Sharif who had been jailed in several corruption cases and faces trials in others was allowed to leave Pakistan for the UK&nbsp;in November last year due to his deteriorating health.

The court had granted Sharif bail in two graft cases on medical grounds after a massive drop in his blood count.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ailing-nawaz-sharif-to-undergo-tests-scan-in-london-264009">Ailing Nawaz Sharif to undergo tests, scan in London</a>

However, the government has accused the three-time prime minister&nbsp;of falling to provide any medical records after he reached London.

Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif's party the&nbsp; PML-N has contested the government's claim saying that Sharif is scheduled to undergo heart surgery in London.

PML-N added that Sharif will challenge the government's decision in court.

Pakistan has declared former prime minister Nawaz Sharif an "absconder" saying that it will now request the British government to deport Sharif from London where he currently resides.

Pakistan has declared former prime minister Nawaz Sharif an "absconder" saying that it will now request the British government to deport Sharif from London where he currently resides. The Imran Khan government accused Sharif of faking his illness. It said that the former prime minister had gone to London to look after his family's business interests and not to seek medical treatment. Also Read: Nawaz Sharif critical? Picture in London restaurant goes viral Sharif who had been jailed in several corruption cases and faces trials in others was allowed to leave Pakistan for the UK in November last year due to his deteriorating health. The court had granted Sharif bail in two graft cases on medical grounds after a massive drop in his blood count. Also Read: Ailing Nawaz Sharif to undergo tests, scan in London However, the government has accused the three-time prime minister of falling to provide any medical records after he reached London. Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif's party the PML-N has contested the government's claim saying that Sharif is scheduled to undergo heart surgery in London. PML-N added that Sharif will challenge the government's decision in court.

Pakistan to request Britain to deport Nawaz Sharif from London

In November 2018 Indian representatives were at the Afgan peace conference. The Indian government had sent two retired diplomats the former envoy to Kabul.

WION Fineprint: Will the Taliban enter into politics?

The US-Taliban peace deal is expected to be signed on February 29 in Doha. Both India and Pakistan are going to be part of the final talks. Pakistani PM Imran Khan is already in Qatar ahead of the deal. Watch ground report:

India To Witness US-Taliban Peace Deal

The US-Taliban peace deal is expected to be signed on February 29 in Doha. Both India and Pakistan are going to be part of the final talks. Whatever is happening in Doha will have a significant impact in Kabul, Islamabad and New Delhi. Watch report:

What role will India and Pakistan play in US-Afghan peace talks

India invited to witness US-Taliban peace deal in Doha

Pakistan PM Imran Khan met Qatar's Emir ahead of US-Taliban peace deal.Imran khan visits Doha.

Imran Khan meets Qatar's Emir before US-Taliban Peace Deal

The United Arab Emirates' central bank is investigating Pakistan's largest bank to ascertain if it violated anti-money- laundering and terrorism-financing laws, the regulator said on Wednesday.

The inquiry comes as Pakistan is under examination by a Paris unit of the Financial Action Task Force, a global financial watchdog, for not adequately complying with global regulations on money laundering and terrorism financing.

The FATF will decide this week whether to put Pakistan on a list of countries on non-compliant with global financial regulations, which would carry significant sanctions.

The Central Bank of UAE (CBAUE) said in a statement on Wednesday that it was in "close contact" with Pakistan's banking regulator to verify reported irregularities of a Pakistani bank in UAE.

A spokeswoman of the CBAUE confirmed to Reuters that the statement referred to Habib Bank Ltd (HBL), Pakistan's largest bank.

The bank, which is largely owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development and Pakistan government, had total assets of 3.1 trillion Pakistani rupees ($20.1 billion) at the end of September 2019.

The statement by the UAE banking regulator added it "will take appropriate regulatory action once we have verified the findings reported in the media to confirm if there was any violation to UAE’s Anti-Money Laundering and Combat of Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) laws and procedures."

In a report last week, Bloomberg said that Pakistan's banking regulator in 2018 had found irregularities in HBL's UAE operations and dealings with politically exposed clients.

HBL responded to that report by admitting that a "few weaknesses" were identified in 2017 in its UAE operations that contravened its processes and standards.

"We have transformed our control and compliance process to ensure that they are in line with international standards," an HBL statement said.

The State Bank of Pakistan, the country's banking regulator, did not immediately respond to queries by Reuters on its communication with UAE's regulator.

HBL also faced action in the United States in 2017 when the New York State Department of Financial Services said it was seeking to fine HBL up to $630 million for "grave" compliance failures on anti-money laundering and sanctions rules. The bank agreed to pay $225 million to settle enforcement action. [D-REUTERSNEWS-T004/I15592cf0945b11e783dfe5c720cc2544]

In a filing to Pakistan Stock Exchange on Monday the bank said it would complete a "voluntary closure" of its U.S. operations in coordination with the New York State banking regulator on or before March 31.

(1 USD = 154 Pakistani rupees) 
 
&nbsp;

The United Arab Emirates' central bank is investigating Pakistan's largest bank to ascertain if it violated anti-money- laundering and terrorism-financing laws, the regulator said on Wednesday.

The United Arab Emirates' central bank is investigating Pakistan's largest bank to ascertain if it violated anti-money- laundering and terrorism-financing laws, the regulator said on Wednesday. The inquiry comes as Pakistan is under examination by a Paris unit of the Financial Action Task Force, a global financial watchdog, for not adequately complying with global regulations on money laundering and terrorism financing. The FATF will decide this week whether to put Pakistan on a list of countries on non-compliant with global financial regulations, which would carry significant sanctions. The Central Bank of UAE (CBAUE) said in a statement on Wednesday that it was in "close contact" with Pakistan's banking regulator to verify reported irregularities of a Pakistani bank in UAE. A spokeswoman of the CBAUE confirmed to Reuters that the statement referred to Habib Bank Ltd (HBL), Pakistan's largest bank. The bank, which is largely owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development and Pakistan government, had total assets of 3.1 trillion Pakistani rupees ($20.1 billion) at the end of September 2019. The statement by the UAE banking regulator added it "will take appropriate regulatory action once we have verified the findings reported in the media to confirm if there was any violation to UAE’s Anti-Money Laundering and Combat of Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) laws and procedures." In a report last week, Bloomberg said that Pakistan's banking regulator in 2018 had found irregularities in HBL's UAE operations and dealings with politically exposed clients. HBL responded to that report by admitting that a "few weaknesses" were identified in 2017 in its UAE operations that contravened its processes and standards. "We have transformed our control and compliance process to ensure that they are in line with international standards," an HBL statement said. The State Bank of Pakistan, the country's banking regulator, did not immediately respond to queries by Reuters on its communication with UAE's regulator. HBL also faced action in the United States in 2017 when the New York State Department of Financial Services said it was seeking to fine HBL up to $630 million for "grave" compliance failures on anti-money laundering and sanctions rules. The bank agreed to pay $225 million to settle enforcement action. [D-REUTERSNEWS-T004/I15592cf0945b11e783dfe5c720cc2544] In a filing to Pakistan Stock Exchange on Monday the bank said it would complete a "voluntary closure" of its U.S. operations in coordination with the New York State banking regulator on or before March 31. (1 USD = 154 Pakistani rupees)

UAE regulator to investigate Pakistan bank for money laundering

There is no other way to say this, Pakistan has abandoned its citizens in China.&nbsp;

Islamabad is willing to contribute troops to fight the coronavirus on the frontlines, but it doesn't want to pull out its own citizens.

Pakistan's response to the coronavirus horror has been shocking.&nbsp;

Imran Khan government has been incompetence on two fronts. One, Pakistan's health infrastructure isn't up to the task. Two, Pakistan is in no position to do anything that might upset China.

The price of this incompetence - practical and diplomatic - is being paid by its people.

The healthcare system in Pakistan is among the worst in the world - the facilities aren't adequate, the doctors aren't enough.&nbsp; 
 
WATCH: Is Pakistan sacrificing students for Chinese loans?&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-edit-is-pakistan-sacrificing-students-for-chinese-loans-281875/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Pakistan doesn't have a quarantine facility to keep a large number of people. It has more than a thousand citizens in China, if they are brought back, where will they be quarantined and under what conditions?

Pakistan has a little more than 230 thousand doctors and a population of more than 19 crore people. It's not for nothing that Pakistan remains one of the two last countries in the world which are still battling polio.

Last year, there was a major outbreak of HIV cases, exposing the inadequacies of the system. Handling the coronavirus may be beyond their best abilities and then there's Chinese pressure.

An evacuation sends the wrong message, it shows that China is weak, helpless and unable to handle the outbreak. When America had slapped travel restrictions on China, Beijing had termed the move as an overreaction.

As of last week, more than 50 countries and territories tightened their travel and visa requirements. Pakistan is among the very few nations which have taken no such measures. In the first week of February alone, Pakistan resumed commercial flights from China.

Families desperate to see their kids return have even offered to pay for their quarantine, but Islamabad refuses to order an evacuation.

Pakistan is firmly in the trap of Chinese debt, it cannot make any move against China. However, it can sacrifice young students to keep a credit line open. All this fits into a pattern - Pakistan won't call out China over its human rights violations. They also won't criticise Beijing for persecuting Muslims.

And now, they won't evacuate their citizens from the epicentre of a global health emergency. This is a wake-up call for BRI nations - the countries which have signed up for China's Belt and Road Project and are flush with Chinese money.

They are all in Chinese debt, they too could be compelled to make unreasonable concessions.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

There is no other way to say this, Pakistan has abandoned its citizens in China. Islamabad is willing to contribute troops to fight the coronavirus on the frontlines, but it doesn't want to pull out its own citizens.

There is no other way to say this, Pakistan has abandoned its citizens in China. Islamabad is willing to contribute troops to fight the coronavirus on the frontlines, but it doesn't want to pull out its own citizens. Pakistan's response to the coronavirus horror has been shocking. Imran Khan government has been incompetence on two fronts. One, Pakistan's health infrastructure isn't up to the task. Two, Pakistan is in no position to do anything that might upset China. The price of this incompetence - practical and diplomatic - is being paid by its people. The healthcare system in Pakistan is among the worst in the world - the facilities aren't adequate, the doctors aren't enough. WATCH: Is Pakistan sacrificing students for Chinese loans? × Pakistan doesn't have a quarantine facility to keep a large number of people. It has more than a thousand citizens in China, if they are brought back, where will they be quarantined and under what conditions? Pakistan has a little more than 230 thousand doctors and a population of more than 19 crore people. It's not for nothing that Pakistan remains one of the two last countries in the world which are still battling polio. Last year, there was a major outbreak of HIV cases, exposing the inadequacies of the system. Handling the coronavirus may be beyond their best abilities and then there's Chinese pressure. An evacuation sends the wrong message, it shows that China is weak, helpless and unable to handle the outbreak. When America had slapped travel restrictions on China, Beijing had termed the move as an overreaction. As of last week, more than 50 countries and territories tightened their travel and visa requirements. Pakistan is among the very few nations which have taken no such measures. In the first week of February alone, Pakistan resumed commercial flights from China. Families desperate to see their kids return have even offered to pay for their quarantine, but Islamabad refuses to order an evacuation. Pakistan is firmly in the trap of Chinese debt, it cannot make any move against China. However, it can sacrifice young students to keep a credit line open. All this fits into a pattern - Pakistan won't call out China over its human rights violations. They also won't criticise Beijing for persecuting Muslims. And now, they won't evacuate their citizens from the epicentre of a global health emergency. This is a wake-up call for BRI nations - the countries which have signed up for China's Belt and Road Project and are flush with Chinese money. They are all in Chinese debt, they too could be compelled to make unreasonable concessions. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Is Pakistan sacrificing students for Chinese loans?

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's former wife Jemima Goldsmith posted a typical Lollywood movie-style poster on social media which depicted Khan's current wife a magician.

The image which has now been deleted was posted on Twitter with a caption, "Who doesn't love a Lollywood poster".

"Spotted today by a friend in Lahore," she also wrote.

<img alt="Jemima Khan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1aa1b981-f687-4bf4-bdb6-97782cb19648" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Jemima%20Khan.JPG" />

"PS no disrespect intended. Like most of you, I just found it funny. (Plus I am a genuine fan of Pakistani film posters, street art and truck art)," wrote Jemima Khan in the following tweet.

The tweet received mixed reactions from netizens as some laughed with the Jemima; some considered it demeaning.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Uturn, <a href="https://twitter.com/Jemima_Khan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jemima_Khan</a> deletes “Black Magic” tweets <a href="https://t.co/KJ5kxa4KHb">pic.twitter.com/KJ5kxa4KHb</a>
— Rashid Hashmi (@RashidHashmis) <a href="https://twitter.com/RashidHashmis/status/1230115839996841984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
You are so witty <a href="https://twitter.com/Jemima_Khan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jemima_Khan</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> will be like ... <a href="https://t.co/UjuAAfY7Jv">pic.twitter.com/UjuAAfY7Jv</a>
— Abdul Wahab (@MightyShahpar) <a href="https://twitter.com/MightyShahpar/status/1229621325070831618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Some tweets go down in history as once-in-a-lifetime-moment. 
 
Never has anyone seen before a former wife of a sitting prime minister jabbing his current (lawful?) wife online. 
 
Btw <a href="https://twitter.com/Jemima_Khan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jemima_Khan</a> there was nothing lollywood about this poster - it's purely a Bani Galawood thingi! <a href="https://t.co/98yK1YDPVO">https://t.co/98yK1YDPVO</a> <a href="https://t.co/4oBmgngGPo">pic.twitter.com/4oBmgngGPo</a>
— Mona S. 🇵🇰 🇱🇾 (@ISpeakHenceIAm) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISpeakHenceIAm/status/1230082553383653376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
This isn't funny. The poster is demeaning to First Lady.
— BibliovertAfridi (@LadyBibliovert) <a href="https://twitter.com/LadyBibliovert/status/1229525938141974528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Jemima and Imran had gotten married in Paris in 1995. They were married for nine years and had two sons together before divorcing in 2004.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's former wife Jemima Goldsmith posted a typical Lollywood movie-style poster on social media which depicted Khan's current wife a magician.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's former wife Jemima Goldsmith posted a typical Lollywood movie-style poster on social media which depicted Khan's current wife a magician. The image which has now been deleted was posted on Twitter with a caption, "Who doesn't love a Lollywood poster". "Spotted today by a friend in Lahore," she also wrote. "PS no disrespect intended. Like most of you, I just found it funny. (Plus I am a genuine fan of Pakistani film posters, street art and truck art)," wrote Jemima Khan in the following tweet. The tweet received mixed reactions from netizens as some laughed with the Jemima; some considered it demeaning. Uturn, @Jemima_Khan deletes “Black Magic” tweets pic.twitter.com/KJ5kxa4KHb — Rashid Hashmi (@RashidHashmis) February 19, 2020 × You are so witty @Jemima_Khan and @ImranKhanPTI will be like ... pic.twitter.com/UjuAAfY7Jv — Abdul Wahab (@MightyShahpar) February 18, 2020 × Some tweets go down in history as once-in-a-lifetime-moment. Never has anyone seen before a former wife of a sitting prime minister jabbing his current (lawful?) wife online. Btw @Jemima_Khan there was nothing lollywood about this poster - it's purely a Bani Galawood thingi! https://t.co/98yK1YDPVO pic.twitter.com/4oBmgngGPo — Mona S. 🇵🇰 🇱🇾 (@ISpeakHenceIAm) February 19, 2020 × This isn't funny. The poster is demeaning to First Lady. — BibliovertAfridi (@LadyBibliovert) February 17, 2020 × Jemima and Imran had gotten married in Paris in 1995. They were married for nine years and had two sons together before divorcing in 2004.

Pakistan: Imran Khan's ex wife tweets poster depicting his current wife as magician

The situation in Pakistan over the toxic gas leak continues to worsen.&nbsp;62 more people were hospitalised overnight even as Pakistan authorities blamed a cargo ship containing soybean of&nbsp;emitting hydrogen sulfide.

14 people have died so far due to the gas leak.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ship-with-soybean-identified-as-source-in-karachi-gas-leak-281538/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<meta name="uuid" content="uuidsFaeoHJnP3QO" /><meta charset="utf-8" />

“The air quality monitoring conducted over the past two days by a private laboratory in the affected areas of Keamari found the air extremely polluted, but the levels of pollutants, particularly two harmful gases, didn’t cross the limits where they could endanger a human life,” the report said quoting a&nbsp;privy to the study conducted by the private laboratory.

Amid confusing statements from different agencies, the people continued to suffer as the authorities only promised to evacuate them without proper planning and arrangements on ground.

The leak was first reported on Sunday. The hydrogen sulfide has been mixing with the normal air and spreading with the wind. So far, the leak has claimed the lives of 14 people.

Reports suggest that overnight another 62 more people have been hospitalised.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Is he actually gaslighting all those people who have died and been hospitalised because of this mysterious gas leak?! And people are actually liking this?! <a href="https://t.co/4e0xXnqJ3h">https://t.co/4e0xXnqJ3h</a>
— Nida Kirmani (@nidkirm) <a href="https://twitter.com/nidkirm/status/1229641280826855424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Reports indicate that a majority of the victims had a history of asthma.

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-how-karachis-fatal-gas-leak-exposes-a-deepening-crisis-281235"> air quality</a> in Karachi has been deteriorating since the gas leak. According to the US consulate's air quality tracker in Karachi, the AQI is 117 which is slightly worrisome for people with respiratory diseases but the good news is, the AQI has been coming down consistently over the last 24 hours.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Very disturbing images coming out of Karachi. Meanwhile government is intent on keeping a cover up. Pak Navy teams trying to detect the root of the toxic gas leak <a href="https://t.co/hv7UY3s1iw">pic.twitter.com/hv7UY3s1iw</a>
— ☭ A little bit rad Komrad 👉😎👉 (@DerArschloch) <a href="https://twitter.com/DerArschloch/status/1229836191345840128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

There has been a massive outpouring of anger over the government's response on social media.

People are making appeals to prime minister Imran Khan, urging him to intervene.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
listen to their anger nd frustration#shameless government<a href="https://twitter.com/zfrmrza?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@zfrmrza</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sayedzbukhari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sayedzbukhari</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficialDGISPR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ArifAlvi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArifAlvi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EvacuatePakistaniStudents?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EvacuatePakistaniStudents</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZB29i1nouA">pic.twitter.com/ZB29i1nouA</a>
— miss zafar (@misszafar2) <a href="https://twitter.com/misszafar2/status/1230074931020472320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
“My brother’s body turned black and he was out of breath”, says brother of deceased. 
PEOPLE ARE DYING AS MYSTERIOUS GAS EMISSION CONTINUES IN KEMARI, KARACHI!<a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> you won a seat from Karachi, pay the heed please! <a href="https://t.co/c1QLjCF8Tu">pic.twitter.com/c1QLjCF8Tu</a>
— Qaseem Saeed (@QaseemSaeed) <a href="https://twitter.com/QaseemSaeed/status/1229491814043918337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Back in 2018, Imran khan had won a national assembly seat from Karachi.

The situation in Pakistan over the toxic gas leak continues to worsen. 62 more people were hospitalised overnight even as Pakistan authorities blamed a cargo ship containing soybean of emitting hydrogen sulfide.

The situation in Pakistan over the toxic gas leak continues to worsen. 62 more people were hospitalised overnight even as Pakistan authorities blamed a cargo ship containing soybean of emitting hydrogen sulfide. 14 people have died so far due to the gas leak. Watch Video: “The air quality monitoring conducted over the past two days by a private laboratory in the affected areas of Keamari found the air extremely polluted, but the levels of pollutants, particularly two harmful gases, didn’t cross the limits where they could endanger a human life,” the report said quoting a privy to the study conducted by the private laboratory. Amid confusing statements from different agencies, the people continued to suffer as the authorities only promised to evacuate them without proper planning and arrangements on ground. The leak was first reported on Sunday. The hydrogen sulfide has been mixing with the normal air and spreading with the wind. So far, the leak has claimed the lives of 14 people. Reports suggest that overnight another 62 more people have been hospitalised. Is he actually gaslighting all those people who have died and been hospitalised because of this mysterious gas leak?! And people are actually liking this?! https://t.co/4e0xXnqJ3h — Nida Kirmani (@nidkirm) February 18, 2020 × Reports indicate that a majority of the victims had a history of asthma. The air quality in Karachi has been deteriorating since the gas leak. According to the US consulate's air quality tracker in Karachi, the AQI is 117 which is slightly worrisome for people with respiratory diseases but the good news is, the AQI has been coming down consistently over the last 24 hours. Very disturbing images coming out of Karachi. Meanwhile government is intent on keeping a cover up. Pak Navy teams trying to detect the root of the toxic gas leak pic.twitter.com/hv7UY3s1iw — ☭ A little bit rad Komrad 👉😎👉 (@DerArschloch) February 18, 2020 × There has been a massive outpouring of anger over the government's response on social media. People are making appeals to prime minister Imran Khan, urging him to intervene. listen to their anger nd frustration#shameless government@zfrmrza @sayedzbukhari @ImranKhanPTI @OfficialDGISPR @ArifAlvi #EvacuatePakistaniStudents pic.twitter.com/ZB29i1nouA — miss zafar (@misszafar2) February 19, 2020 × “My brother’s body turned black and he was out of breath”, says brother of deceased. PEOPLE ARE DYING AS MYSTERIOUS GAS EMISSION CONTINUES IN KEMARI, KARACHI!@ImranKhanPTI you won a seat from Karachi, pay the heed please! pic.twitter.com/c1QLjCF8Tu — Qaseem Saeed (@QaseemSaeed) February 17, 2020 × Back in 2018, Imran khan had won a national assembly seat from Karachi.

Toxic gas: Pakistan authorities say ship containing soybean emitted hydrogen sulfide

imran-khan

Imran Khan, News on Imran Khan, stories on Imran Khan, articles on Imran Khan, Imran Khan stories at Wion, Imran Khan news, Imran Khan latest news

imran khan