Instead of prioritising the fight against the Coronavirus, Pakistan is pushing the UN Security Council to discuss the Kashmir issue. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Pakistan wants UNSC to discuss Kashmir | Wuhan Coronavirus

The world is battling the coronavirus, the stress is on conducting a maximum number of tests and quarantining those who test positive, but there have been several cases where the patients did not show any symptoms of having the infection.

Such cases remain the biggest threat to the efforts towards breaking the chain of transmission.

In Pakistan, three cases have emerged which once again stress on the importance of testing even those who do not show symptoms for the coronavirus.

On March 29, five Pakistani nationals returned to their homeland from India. This was done through a special arrangement made between the two government even though the borders remain closed.&nbsp;

All these Pakistani nationals were in India since March 8 on a medical visa. The patient received successful treatment for a liver ailment in a prominent hospital in Delhi-NCR and was discharged on March 29.&nbsp;

Till this time the patient or anyone of those accompanying him did not show any symptoms.

They were allowed to return via, the Attari-Wagah border under the special arrangements made by the two governments.

As part of the protocol, all 5 were tested for the novel coronavirus upon their return to Pakistan.

The test reports which came out on March 31, have now shown that 3 of these 5 people are infected with COVID-19.

The confirmation of coronavirus among these people leaves several others in the line of danger.

All the doctors who treated them and the officials who managed their return stand a good chance of contracting the virus.

This particular case has once again brought to fore the issue of whether there is a need for testing even those who are asymptomatic.

And once again the scales are titles towards the argument that tests need to be conducted irrespective of a person showing symptoms or not.

Studies have shown that several patients did not show any symptoms of the coronavirus at the time of admission to the hospital.

A study conducted by the Italian National Health Service has shown that of among the first 3,200 deaths, 5.7 per cent of the patients showed no symptoms when they were admitted to the hospital.

Several nations have mandated that only those showing symptoms will be tested.

This is partly due to the limited number of testing kits available. But could turn out to be a major lapse in the fight against COVID-19.

Not testing the asymptomatics is potentially the biggest roadblock to the efforts of flattening the curve.

China, the place where the first cases were reported seems to have understood this now.&nbsp;

It has begun listing out the numbers and details of asymptomatic patients which later tested positive for the coronavirus.

The aim is to fully wean-off the threat of the coronavirus.

Individuals and institutions need to cooperation and flag these concerns.&nbsp;

The World Health Organisation has time and again stressed on the need to conduct more tests, even on the asymptomatic population.

As WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus said, "tests... tests... and tests... remain the best bet to combat the coronavirus".

The world is battling the coronavirus, the stress is on conducting a maximum number of tests and quarantining those who test positive, but there have been several cases where the patients did not show any symptoms of having the infection.

The world is battling the coronavirus, the stress is on conducting a maximum number of tests and quarantining those who test positive, but there have been several cases where the patients did not show any symptoms of having the infection. Such cases remain the biggest threat to the efforts towards breaking the chain of transmission. In Pakistan, three cases have emerged which once again stress on the importance of testing even those who do not show symptoms for the coronavirus. On March 29, five Pakistani nationals returned to their homeland from India. This was done through a special arrangement made between the two government even though the borders remain closed. All these Pakistani nationals were in India since March 8 on a medical visa. The patient received successful treatment for a liver ailment in a prominent hospital in Delhi-NCR and was discharged on March 29. Till this time the patient or anyone of those accompanying him did not show any symptoms. They were allowed to return via, the Attari-Wagah border under the special arrangements made by the two governments. As part of the protocol, all 5 were tested for the novel coronavirus upon their return to Pakistan. The test reports which came out on March 31, have now shown that 3 of these 5 people are infected with COVID-19. The confirmation of coronavirus among these people leaves several others in the line of danger. All the doctors who treated them and the officials who managed their return stand a good chance of contracting the virus. This particular case has once again brought to fore the issue of whether there is a need for testing even those who are asymptomatic. And once again the scales are titles towards the argument that tests need to be conducted irrespective of a person showing symptoms or not. Studies have shown that several patients did not show any symptoms of the coronavirus at the time of admission to the hospital. A study conducted by the Italian National Health Service has shown that of among the first 3,200 deaths, 5.7 per cent of the patients showed no symptoms when they were admitted to the hospital. Several nations have mandated that only those showing symptoms will be tested. This is partly due to the limited number of testing kits available. But could turn out to be a major lapse in the fight against COVID-19. Not testing the asymptomatics is potentially the biggest roadblock to the efforts of flattening the curve. China, the place where the first cases were reported seems to have understood this now. It has begun listing out the numbers and details of asymptomatic patients which later tested positive for the coronavirus. The aim is to fully wean-off the threat of the coronavirus. Individuals and institutions need to cooperation and flag these concerns. The World Health Organisation has time and again stressed on the need to conduct more tests, even on the asymptomatic population. As WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus said, "tests... tests... and tests... remain the best bet to combat the coronavirus".

Pakistan: 3 asymptomatic persons test positive for coronavirus

Afghan nationals living in neighbouring Pakistan would be allowed to go back to their countries, Islamabad announced on Saturday.

"At the special request of the Government of Afghanistan and based on humanitarian considerations, Pakistan has decided to allow the exit of Afghan nationals in Pakistan, wishing to go back to their country," Pakistan Foreign Office said in a statement.

The borders connecting Pakistan and Afghanistan are going to be opened for three days to allow Afghan nationals to exit Pakistan.

"The Torkham and Chaman land border crossings will be opened for a specific period from 6 April to 9 April 2020 to facilitate Afghan nationals."

"As a neighbour and in view of fraternal bilateral relations, Pakistan remains in abiding solidarity with the people of Afghanistan, particularly at this time of the global pandemic," the government stated.

Since the outbreak of coronavirus in Pakistan, the borders have been closed to prevent the spread further.

The Imran Khan government had given the order to open the border earlier saying that Islamabad would continue to support Kabul.

"Despite the global pandemic of COVID-19, we remain committed to supporting our Afghan brothers and sisters. I have given instructions to open the Chaman-Spinboldak border and let trucks crossover into Afghanistan. In this time of crisis, we remain steadfast with Afghanistan," Khan had said in a tweet.

Pakistan's coronavirus cases rose to 2,708 on Saturday with COVID-19 claiming 40 lives, while 130 patients have recovered.

Punjab -- the hotspot of the viral infection in Pakistan -- reported a total of 1,072 cases, followed by Sindh at 839, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 343, Balochistan 175, Gilgit-Baltistan 193, Islamabad 75 and 11 cases in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

On Friday, the World Bank approved USD 200 million in aid to Pakistan to help deal with the impact of the novel coronavirus.

Afghan nationals living in neighbouring Pakistan would be allowed to go back to their countries, Islamabad announced on Saturday. "At the special request of the Government of Afghanistan and based on humanitarian considerations, Pakistan has decided to allow the exit of Afghan nationals in Pakistan, wishing to go back to their country," Pakistan Foreign Office said in a statement.

Afghan nationals living in neighbouring Pakistan would be allowed to go back to their countries, Islamabad announced on Saturday. "At the special request of the Government of Afghanistan and based on humanitarian considerations, Pakistan has decided to allow the exit of Afghan nationals in Pakistan, wishing to go back to their country," Pakistan Foreign Office said in a statement. The borders connecting Pakistan and Afghanistan are going to be opened for three days to allow Afghan nationals to exit Pakistan. "The Torkham and Chaman land border crossings will be opened for a specific period from 6 April to 9 April 2020 to facilitate Afghan nationals." "As a neighbour and in view of fraternal bilateral relations, Pakistan remains in abiding solidarity with the people of Afghanistan, particularly at this time of the global pandemic," the government stated. Since the outbreak of coronavirus in Pakistan, the borders have been closed to prevent the spread further. The Imran Khan government had given the order to open the border earlier saying that Islamabad would continue to support Kabul. "Despite the global pandemic of COVID-19, we remain committed to supporting our Afghan brothers and sisters. I have given instructions to open the Chaman-Spinboldak border and let trucks crossover into Afghanistan. In this time of crisis, we remain steadfast with Afghanistan," Khan had said in a tweet. Pakistan's coronavirus cases rose to 2,708 on Saturday with COVID-19 claiming 40 lives, while 130 patients have recovered. Punjab -- the hotspot of the viral infection in Pakistan -- reported a total of 1,072 cases, followed by Sindh at 839, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 343, Balochistan 175, Gilgit-Baltistan 193, Islamabad 75 and 11 cases in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). On Friday, the World Bank approved USD 200 million in aid to Pakistan to help deal with the impact of the novel coronavirus.

Pakistan to allow Afghan nationals to return home: Foreign Office

The Pakistan government on Saturday said that by April 25, 2020, the country&nbsp;may have 50,000 COVID-19 positive cases.

In its report on National Action Plan against Corona to the Supreme Court, the government said&nbsp;41,000 to be normal cases, 7,000 to be critical and 2,500 to be extremely critical.

This is an assessment and not the final word, the government told the SC.

Until April 25th, Pakistan will have lesser cases than Europe, the report said and added that the government would increase the testing capability daily at the cost of $366 million.

The government has also come up with an emergency health action plan and coronavirus prevention guidelines with the help of provinces and other organisations, the government told the apex court.

A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been formulated for the screening of passengers arriving from abroad and to bury those who succumbed to the deadly virus.

A campaign for prevention from the virus was already underway.

From airports and other entry points, 222 suspected cases of coronavirus have been identified, the report said.

Pakistan also has set up screening counters at all airport entry points and imposed an emergency along its borders of with &nbsp;Iran.&nbsp;

A 300-bed quarantine centre has been built in the capital along with four hospitals with 154 isolation wards.

154 districts in the country have the isolation wards to keep suspected patients, the report added.

The Pakistan government on Saturday said that by April 25, 2020, the country may have 50,000 COVID-19 positive cases. In its report on National Action Plan against Corona to the Supreme Court, the government said 41,000 to be normal cases, 7,000 to be critical and 2,500 to be extremely critical.

The Pakistan government on Saturday said that by April 25, 2020, the country may have 50,000 COVID-19 positive cases. In its report on National Action Plan against Corona to the Supreme Court, the government said 41,000 to be normal cases, 7,000 to be critical and 2,500 to be extremely critical. This is an assessment and not the final word, the government told the SC. Until April 25th, Pakistan will have lesser cases than Europe, the report said and added that the government would increase the testing capability daily at the cost of $366 million. The government has also come up with an emergency health action plan and coronavirus prevention guidelines with the help of provinces and other organisations, the government told the apex court. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been formulated for the screening of passengers arriving from abroad and to bury those who succumbed to the deadly virus. A campaign for prevention from the virus was already underway. From airports and other entry points, 222 suspected cases of coronavirus have been identified, the report said. Pakistan also has set up screening counters at all airport entry points and imposed an emergency along its borders of with Iran. A 300-bed quarantine centre has been built in the capital along with four hospitals with 154 isolation wards. 154 districts in the country have the isolation wards to keep suspected patients, the report added.

Pakistan may have 50,000 COVID-19 cases by April 25: Govt tells Supreme Court

Omar Sheikh is the main accused in the murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl. He will very soon be released from jail in Pakistan. Watch this video to know who is Omar Sheikh? Why is he being released?

Sindh court lets journalist Daniel Pearl's murderers walk free?

Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, a British-born Islamist militant convicted of masterminding the murder of a Wall Street Journal reporter, may not walk free for a few more months, as the Sindh provincial government’s Home Department in Pakistan has issued the order to arrest and detain him before he released from prison. In doing so, the government has overturned the court's order that commuted his sentence.

Sheikh's sentence for the murder of the Wall Street Journal reporter, Daniel Pearl, was commuted on Thursday to seven years by the court in the southern city of Karachi. Three other men serving life sentences for the killing were also acquitted and released.

Sheikh has already served seven years in prison.

“The government of Sindh has sufficient reason that Ahmed Omar Sheikh and Fahad Nasim Ahmed, Syed Salman Saqib, Sheikh Muhammad Adil be arrested and detained for a period of three months from the date of arrest (April 2, 2020),” the issued notice said, adding the released men may act “against the interest of the country”.

This decision comes in the wake of the US State Department condemning the overturning of the convictions of the four men. They termed it “an affront to victims of terrorism everywhere”.

“Those responsible for Daniel’s heinous kidnapping and murder must face the full measure of justice,” Alice Wells, the top US diplomat for South Asia, wrote on Twitter.

Pearl's murder was filmed and the video was posted online. It's sometimes said that the murder may instead have been carried out by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the key organiser of the 9/11 attacks, who is being held at Guantánamo Bay in Cuba.

Khawaja Naveed, a defence lawyer in Pakistan, told Reuters on Thursday that Sheikh would be released within days.

Who is Sheikh?

Sheikh was born in Britain and enjoyed a privileged upbringing and studied at the London School of Economics. He was arrested in India for his involvement in the kidnapping of Western tourists in 1994 as part of his support for Muslim separatists battling Indian security forces in the disputed Kashmir region.

He was one of three men released from an Indian prison after militants hijacked an Indian airliner in late 1999 and flew it to Afghanistan, where the then-ruling Taliban government helped negotiate an exchange.

(with inputs from Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, a British-born Islamist militant convicted of masterminding the murder of a Wall Street Journal reporter, may not walk free for a few more months, as the Sindh provincial government’s Home Department in Pakistan has issued the order to arrest and detain him before he released from prison.

Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, a British-born Islamist militant convicted of masterminding the murder of a Wall Street Journal reporter, may not walk free for a few more months, as the Sindh provincial government’s Home Department in Pakistan has issued the order to arrest and detain him before he released from prison. In doing so, the government has overturned the court's order that commuted his sentence. Sheikh's sentence for the murder of the Wall Street Journal reporter, Daniel Pearl, was commuted on Thursday to seven years by the court in the southern city of Karachi. Three other men serving life sentences for the killing were also acquitted and released. Sheikh has already served seven years in prison. “The government of Sindh has sufficient reason that Ahmed Omar Sheikh and Fahad Nasim Ahmed, Syed Salman Saqib, Sheikh Muhammad Adil be arrested and detained for a period of three months from the date of arrest (April 2, 2020),” the issued notice said, adding the released men may act “against the interest of the country”. This decision comes in the wake of the US State Department condemning the overturning of the convictions of the four men. They termed it “an affront to victims of terrorism everywhere”. “Those responsible for Daniel’s heinous kidnapping and murder must face the full measure of justice,” Alice Wells, the top US diplomat for South Asia, wrote on Twitter. Pearl's murder was filmed and the video was posted online. It's sometimes said that the murder may instead have been carried out by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the key organiser of the 9/11 attacks, who is being held at Guantánamo Bay in Cuba. Khawaja Naveed, a defence lawyer in Pakistan, told Reuters on Thursday that Sheikh would be released within days. Who is Sheikh? Sheikh was born in Britain and enjoyed a privileged upbringing and studied at the London School of Economics. He was arrested in India for his involvement in the kidnapping of Western tourists in 1994 as part of his support for Muslim separatists battling Indian security forces in the disputed Kashmir region. He was one of three men released from an Indian prison after militants hijacked an Indian airliner in late 1999 and flew it to Afghanistan, where the then-ruling Taliban government helped negotiate an exchange. (with inputs from Reuters)

Pakistan defers release of four men acquitted in Daniel Pearl murder case

Former high profile members of the Pakistani political establishment have become conspiracy theorists. On Pakistani television and social media, they are pushing Chinese propaganda on the Coronavirus outbreak. WION's Palki Sharma brings you a fact check.

Gravitas: Pakistani conspiracy theorists echo Chinese propaganda | Coronavirus

Everytime the world faces an emergency, there's an onslaught of conjecture and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/chinas-cover-up-will-coronavirus-pandemic-lead-to-changed-world-order-289890">conspiracy theories</a>.

Some emerge out of nowhere on the internet, others are hollered on prime-time debates. A good number of conspiracy theories continue to come our way from across the border - Pakistan.

The country has over 2000 active cases of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-scientists-find-antibodies-for-covid-19-290204">the coronavirus</a>, but instead of imposing a lockdown, the Imran Khan government seems to have unleashed conspiracy theorists to shift the blame away from&nbsp;China.&nbsp;

Abdullah Hussain Haroon, Pakistan's former Foreign Minister, says that the coronavirus was scientifically engineered by the governments of the United States and European nations.

The purpose, he says, was to halt <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/wion-edit-chinas-authoritarianism-vs-democracy-and-transparency-289530">fast-emerging China</a>.

Harooni is joined by Dr Atta ur-Rehman who says that the coronavirus got leaked from a lab in the United States.

He says there is also a possibility that a laboratory in the UK was involved. Dr Rahman is a scientist who serves as the co-chair at the UN Committee on science and technology.&nbsp;

There have been 31 deaths due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-us-remarks-on-covid-19-data-information-290105">Wuhan coronavirus </a>in Pakistan. Instead of seeking some accountability from Beijing for the evolving crisis, the Pakistani establishment and UN-level dignitaries, are peddling conspiracy theories to defend China.

Meanwhile, Pakistani courts are quietly letting out terrorists as the world is busy fighting this pandemic.&nbsp;

The Sindh High Court in Pakistan has overturned the death sentence of the main accused in the 2002 Daniel Pearl murder case.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-court-gives-verdict-in-2002-daniel-pearl-kidnapping-and-murder-case-290072">Daniel Pearl</a> was a Wall Street Journal reporter researching on Islamist militants in Karachi and their links to the 9/11 attacks. He was kidnapped by extremists. A&nbsp;video showing his beheading was sent to the US consulate in Karachi.

Pakistan's judiciary has collapsed. The economy is functioning on international borrowing, the health-care system is not prepared for the coronavirus. It is among the worst-affected nations in South Asia, but Imran Khan is indulging in petty politics and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-outbreak-exposes-leadership-crisis-in-pakistan-289757">Islamabad is&nbsp;fuelling conspiracy</a> theories to back China.

&nbsp;

Everytime the world faces an emergency, there's an onslaught of conjecture and conspiracy theories. Some emerge out of nowhere on the internet, others are hollered on prime-time debates.

Everytime the world faces an emergency, there's an onslaught of conjecture and conspiracy theories. Some emerge out of nowhere on the internet, others are hollered on prime-time debates. A good number of conspiracy theories continue to come our way from across the border - Pakistan. The country has over 2000 active cases of the coronavirus, but instead of imposing a lockdown, the Imran Khan government seems to have unleashed conspiracy theorists to shift the blame away from China. Abdullah Hussain Haroon, Pakistan's former Foreign Minister, says that the coronavirus was scientifically engineered by the governments of the United States and European nations. The purpose, he says, was to halt fast-emerging China. Harooni is joined by Dr Atta ur-Rehman who says that the coronavirus got leaked from a lab in the United States. He says there is also a possibility that a laboratory in the UK was involved. Dr Rahman is a scientist who serves as the co-chair at the UN Committee on science and technology. There have been 31 deaths due to the Wuhan coronavirus in Pakistan. Instead of seeking some accountability from Beijing for the evolving crisis, the Pakistani establishment and UN-level dignitaries, are peddling conspiracy theories to defend China. Meanwhile, Pakistani courts are quietly letting out terrorists as the world is busy fighting this pandemic. The Sindh High Court in Pakistan has overturned the death sentence of the main accused in the 2002 Daniel Pearl murder case. Daniel Pearl was a Wall Street Journal reporter researching on Islamist militants in Karachi and their links to the 9/11 attacks. He was kidnapped by extremists. A video showing his beheading was sent to the US consulate in Karachi. Pakistan's judiciary has collapsed. The economy is functioning on international borrowing, the health-care system is not prepared for the coronavirus. It is among the worst-affected nations in South Asia, but Imran Khan is indulging in petty politics and Islamabad is fuelling conspiracy theories to back China.

Coronavirus outbreak: Pakistan backs Chinese propaganda

The Sindh HC in Pakistan has allowed all the accused involved in the murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl to walk free. The court reduced the main accused Omar Sheikh's death sentence to only seven years in jail. Since Sheikh had already served a prison sentence he would be released in a few days.

Daniel Pearl murder case: Main accused Omar Sheikh to be released in few days

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases surged to 2,355 on Thursday in Pakistan, local media reported. While 32 people succumbed to the deadly virus.

Punjab became the worst-affected regions with 914 cases followed by Sindh with 724 confirmed reports. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 276 people have been confirmed of the virus while Balochistan had 164 cases.

About 107 others have recovered so far.

As the number of cases continues to grow, the Pakistan Army chief called for "national unity" to fight the COVID-19 outbreak.

“The Commander of Army Air Defence Command, Lieutenant General Hamood Uz Zaman Khan, has been designated as chief coordinator of NCOC,” ISPR said in a statement as Pakistan prepares to fight the pandemic.

Balochistan reported six new cases with Sindh reporting one more death with 33 new cases detected with Karachi most affected.

Dr Zafar Mirza said that twenty-one per cent of those hit by the virus has recovered numbering 82.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's minister for planning and development Asad Umar said that restrictions in the country will continue to be in place till at least April 14.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases surged to 2,355 on Thursday in Pakistan, local media reported. While 32 people succumbed to the deadly virus. Punjab became the worst-affected regions with 914 cases followed by Sindh with 724 confirmed reports.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases surged to 2,355 on Thursday in Pakistan, local media reported. While 32 people succumbed to the deadly virus. Punjab became the worst-affected regions with 914 cases followed by Sindh with 724 confirmed reports. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 276 people have been confirmed of the virus while Balochistan had 164 cases. About 107 others have recovered so far. As the number of cases continues to grow, the Pakistan Army chief called for "national unity" to fight the COVID-19 outbreak. “The Commander of Army Air Defence Command, Lieutenant General Hamood Uz Zaman Khan, has been designated as chief coordinator of NCOC,” ISPR said in a statement as Pakistan prepares to fight the pandemic. Balochistan reported six new cases with Sindh reporting one more death with 33 new cases detected with Karachi most affected. Dr Zafar Mirza said that twenty-one per cent of those hit by the virus has recovered numbering 82. Meanwhile, Pakistan's minister for planning and development Asad Umar said that restrictions in the country will continue to be in place till at least April 14.

Pakistan: Number of confirmed cases surge to 2,355; 107 recovered

The Sindh High Court in Pakistan April 2 commuted the death sentence of the prime accused Ahmed Omer Saeed Sheikh in the 2002 kidnapping and murder of the Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl. Who was Daniel pearl and why was he beheaded?

Who was Daniel pearl? Why was he beheaded in 2002?

The Sindh High Court in Pakistan on Thursday (April 2) commuted the death sentence of the prime accused in the 2002 kidnapping and murder of the Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl. Ahmed Omer Saeed Sheikh will now serve seven years in prison.

Pakistan court gives verdict in 2002 Daniel Pearl kidnapping and murder case

There’s a message in Pakistani and Egyptian responses to the Coronavirus: Neither ultra-conservative science-rejecting worldviews nor self-serving autocratic policies could have blunted the impact of the disease.

To be sure, Pakistan and Egypt, although different in what drove their responses, are in good company. Overwhelmingly, governments across the globe with the exceptions of Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea, failed to take the initial warnings signs seriously.

Unlike western democracies that have little to boast about in their handling of the crisis, countries like Pakistan and Egypt lack the checks and balances, robust civil societies, and independent media needed as correctives.

And both Egypt and Pakistan have gone out of their way to keep it that way.

Egypt, apparently taking a leaf out of China’s playbook, reprimanded foreign correspondents for The Guardian and The New York Times in Cairo for reporting that the number of cases in the country was exponentially higher than the 495 confirmed by authorities as of March 29.&nbsp;

The coverage was based on conclusions by infectious disease specialists at the University of Toronto who had analyzed flight and traveller data as well as infection rates.

The scientists estimated that “Egypt likely has a large burden of Covid-19 cases that are unreported.” They put the number of Egyptian cases as high as 19,130 as of March 15.

In response, authorities withdrew the press permit of The Guardian’s Ruth Michaelson and expelled her from the country while The New York Times’ Declan Walsh was forced to delete a tweet. Furthermore, several Egyptians have been detained on charges of spreading false and fabricated rumours.

Yet, Egypt imposed strict measures including the closure of all educational institutions and the suspension of flights on March 15, the day the scientists published their findings. The government also announced a $6.38 billion fund to fight the virus.

A World Health Organisation (WHO) official in Cairo said the group could not verify the scientists’ methodology but added that “It is possible that there are many other cases with mild symptoms which did not result in hospital visits, and therefore are not detected or reported.”

Independent reporting is a crucial node in an effective early warning system. It creates pressure for a timely response. The effort to suppress it was in line with Egyptian general-turned-president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s initial reaction to the virus.

Rather than focusing on early preventive measures at home, Al-Sisi sought to benefit from China’s predicament.

With only one officially confirmed case of a Chinese national arriving in February at Cairo airport who was hospitalised and cured, Al Sisi sent his health minister, Hala Zayed, to China to praise it for preventing a far worse global outbreak by taking very strong precautionary measures. This despite Beijing’s costly failure to confront the disease firmly from the outset.

Pakistan’s approach in recent months was no less negligent.

Like Egypt, a country in which the power of the military is thinly camouflaged by hollowed-out institutions, Pakistan too waffled until last week in its response to the pandemic.

The Pakistani government refused early on to evacuate some 800 students from Wuhan in a bid to earn brownie points in Beijing. It also failed to manage the return of potentially infected pilgrims from Iran. And finally, it catered to ultra-conservative groups whose worldviews were akin to ones long prevalent in Saudi Arabia with its significant cultural and religious influence in the South Asian nation.

As a result, Pakistan, a deeply religious country that borders on both China and Iran, allowed Tablighi Jamaat, a proselytising group with a huge global following in some 80 countries that is banned in Saudi Arabia, to continue organising mass events.

The group organised a 16,000 people mass gathering in early March in Malaysia where scores were infected with the Coronavirus.

Hundreds of Tablighi gathered from March 21 to 23 in the Mardan District of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to pray, listen to speeches, and eat and sleep in congested quarters.

One participant, professing his belief that God would protect the Tablighi, described spending almost six weeks together with thousands of others at Tablighi headquarters near Lahore, a city of 11 million, just before travelling to Mardan.

Pakistan Religious Affairs Minister Noor-ul-Haq Qadri caved into demands by the clergy to keep mosques open but capped the maximum number of people at prayers at five.

The minister’s concession reinforced a popular perception of the government’s message that the virus crisis was less grave than projected by health authorities across the globe.

“If the pandemic was serious, the government would’ve shut down all the mosques,” said Sadiq Bhutt, speaking through an interpreter, as he entered a mosque in Islamabad for Friday prayers.

Eventually, overriding government policy, the Pakistan military intervened in recent days to impose a lockdown like in much of the rest of the world.

But as in Egypt, it may be too late for Pakistan.

Ultimately, the lesson of Egypt, Pakistan, and China’s initial handling of the Coronavirus is that neither self-serving autocrats nor authoritarians have the wherewithal to confront a crisis like a pandemic in a timely fashion. Their much-delayed responses have failed to take the public’s interests to the heart rather than those of elites that prioritise geopolitical or political advantage.

Western democracies have performed not much better with US President Donald J Trump seemingly more concerned about the economic impact in an election year than about public health and people’s lives.

The difference, however, is that western democracies have the potential of holding leaders to account and implementing lessons learned from the costly mismanagement of the coronavirus pandemic.

It’s hard to hold out a similar hope for Arab autocracies or countries like Pakistan whose democratic façade is at best skin-deep.

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

There’s a message in Pakistani and Egyptian responses to the Coronavirus: Neither ultra-conservative science-rejecting worldviews nor self-serving autocratic policies could have blunted the impact of the disease.

There’s a message in Pakistani and Egyptian responses to the Coronavirus: Neither ultra-conservative science-rejecting worldviews nor self-serving autocratic policies could have blunted the impact of the disease. To be sure, Pakistan and Egypt, although different in what drove their responses, are in good company. Overwhelmingly, governments across the globe with the exceptions of Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea, failed to take the initial warnings signs seriously. Unlike western democracies that have little to boast about in their handling of the crisis, countries like Pakistan and Egypt lack the checks and balances, robust civil societies, and independent media needed as correctives. And both Egypt and Pakistan have gone out of their way to keep it that way. Egypt, apparently taking a leaf out of China’s playbook, reprimanded foreign correspondents for The Guardian and The New York Times in Cairo for reporting that the number of cases in the country was exponentially higher than the 495 confirmed by authorities as of March 29. The coverage was based on conclusions by infectious disease specialists at the University of Toronto who had analyzed flight and traveller data as well as infection rates. The scientists estimated that “Egypt likely has a large burden of Covid-19 cases that are unreported.” They put the number of Egyptian cases as high as 19,130 as of March 15. In response, authorities withdrew the press permit of The Guardian’s Ruth Michaelson and expelled her from the country while The New York Times’ Declan Walsh was forced to delete a tweet. Furthermore, several Egyptians have been detained on charges of spreading false and fabricated rumours. Yet, Egypt imposed strict measures including the closure of all educational institutions and the suspension of flights on March 15, the day the scientists published their findings. The government also announced a $6.38 billion fund to fight the virus. A World Health Organisation (WHO) official in Cairo said the group could not verify the scientists’ methodology but added that “It is possible that there are many other cases with mild symptoms which did not result in hospital visits, and therefore are not detected or reported.” Independent reporting is a crucial node in an effective early warning system. It creates pressure for a timely response. The effort to suppress it was in line with Egyptian general-turned-president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s initial reaction to the virus. Rather than focusing on early preventive measures at home, Al-Sisi sought to benefit from China’s predicament. With only one officially confirmed case of a Chinese national arriving in February at Cairo airport who was hospitalised and cured, Al Sisi sent his health minister, Hala Zayed, to China to praise it for preventing a far worse global outbreak by taking very strong precautionary measures. This despite Beijing’s costly failure to confront the disease firmly from the outset. Pakistan’s approach in recent months was no less negligent. Like Egypt, a country in which the power of the military is thinly camouflaged by hollowed-out institutions, Pakistan too waffled until last week in its response to the pandemic. The Pakistani government refused early on to evacuate some 800 students from Wuhan in a bid to earn brownie points in Beijing. It also failed to manage the return of potentially infected pilgrims from Iran. And finally, it catered to ultra-conservative groups whose worldviews were akin to ones long prevalent in Saudi Arabia with its significant cultural and religious influence in the South Asian nation. As a result, Pakistan, a deeply religious country that borders on both China and Iran, allowed Tablighi Jamaat, a proselytising group with a huge global following in some 80 countries that is banned in Saudi Arabia, to continue organising mass events. The group organised a 16,000 people mass gathering in early March in Malaysia where scores were infected with the Coronavirus. Hundreds of Tablighi gathered from March 21 to 23 in the Mardan District of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to pray, listen to speeches, and eat and sleep in congested quarters. One participant, professing his belief that God would protect the Tablighi, described spending almost six weeks together with thousands of others at Tablighi headquarters near Lahore, a city of 11 million, just before travelling to Mardan. Pakistan Religious Affairs Minister Noor-ul-Haq Qadri caved into demands by the clergy to keep mosques open but capped the maximum number of people at prayers at five. The minister’s concession reinforced a popular perception of the government’s message that the virus crisis was less grave than projected by health authorities across the globe. “If the pandemic was serious, the government would’ve shut down all the mosques,” said Sadiq Bhutt, speaking through an interpreter, as he entered a mosque in Islamabad for Friday prayers. Eventually, overriding government policy, the Pakistan military intervened in recent days to impose a lockdown like in much of the rest of the world. But as in Egypt, it may be too late for Pakistan. Ultimately, the lesson of Egypt, Pakistan, and China’s initial handling of the Coronavirus is that neither self-serving autocrats nor authoritarians have the wherewithal to confront a crisis like a pandemic in a timely fashion. Their much-delayed responses have failed to take the public’s interests to the heart rather than those of elites that prioritise geopolitical or political advantage. Western democracies have performed not much better with US President Donald J Trump seemingly more concerned about the economic impact in an election year than about public health and people’s lives. The difference, however, is that western democracies have the potential of holding leaders to account and implementing lessons learned from the costly mismanagement of the coronavirus pandemic. It’s hard to hold out a similar hope for Arab autocracies or countries like Pakistan whose democratic façade is at best skin-deep. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

How Egypt and Pakistan waffled in their response to coronavirus

The number of confirmed coronavirus <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-cases-surge-in-pakistan-as-imran-addresses-the-nation-289561">cases spiked to 1925</a>, local media reported on Tuesday.

Amid the rising cases in the country, Sindh province was the worst affected with 676 cases and it was followed by Punjab with 658 cases. While the country recorded 26 deaths due to the deadly virus which first emerged in Chinese city Wuhan.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 221 people have been infected from the coronavirus. Balochistan which shares a border with Iran, which was one of the worst countries to be affected coronavirus, recorded 158 cases.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-pm-imran-khan-says-they-will-use-wisdom-to-beat-coronavirus-taunts-pm-modi-for-lockdown-289612">Pak PM Imran Khan says they will use 'wisdom' to beat coronavirus, taunts PM Modi for lockdown</a>

Meanwhile, 58 people have been recovered.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan on Tuesday announced 'Prime Minister's Coronavirus Relief Fund' to fight COVID-19.

The 'Corona Tigers Relief Force' will provide food to areas where it is required, including information on self-quarantine, Khan said.

The Pakistan PM said the virus does not discriminate while citing China's example in fighting the virus, "The country that has been most successful so far (in this war) has been China."

However, the Pakistan PM in the address to the nation said his country's situation was same as China, but he refrained from ordering a lockdown explaining that several Pakistanis who were poor would feel the burden.

The Pakistan PM said it was essential to look at the situation in the country while devising strategy for the virus while asserting that the power of youth and faith will help in fighting the virus.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases spiked to 1925, local media reported on Tuesday. Amid the rising cases in the country, Sindh province was the worst affected with 676 cases and it was followed by Punjab with 658 cases.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases spiked to 1925, local media reported on Tuesday. Amid the rising cases in the country, Sindh province was the worst affected with 676 cases and it was followed by Punjab with 658 cases. While the country recorded 26 deaths due to the deadly virus which first emerged in Chinese city Wuhan. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 221 people have been infected from the coronavirus. Balochistan which shares a border with Iran, which was one of the worst countries to be affected coronavirus, recorded 158 cases. Also read: Pak PM Imran Khan says they will use 'wisdom' to beat coronavirus, taunts PM Modi for lockdown Meanwhile, 58 people have been recovered. Pakistan PM Imran Khan on Tuesday announced 'Prime Minister's Coronavirus Relief Fund' to fight COVID-19. The 'Corona Tigers Relief Force' will provide food to areas where it is required, including information on self-quarantine, Khan said. The Pakistan PM said the virus does not discriminate while citing China's example in fighting the virus, "The country that has been most successful so far (in this war) has been China." However, the Pakistan PM in the address to the nation said his country's situation was same as China, but he refrained from ordering a lockdown explaining that several Pakistanis who were poor would feel the burden. The Pakistan PM said it was essential to look at the situation in the country while devising strategy for the virus while asserting that the power of youth and faith will help in fighting the virus.

Pakistan: Number of confirmed cases spike to 1925; 58 recovers

With over 1600 cases, Pakistan has reported the most number of coronavirus cases in South Asia. The country is already suffering from an economic crisis and has a poor record of treatment to minorities. The poor have been hard hit and at such harsh times, thousands of poor people in Karachi were denied food supplies and daily essentials, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Hindus, who gathered at Rehrri Ghoth in Karachi, were asked to return by the officials, saying that the rations were only meant for Muslims.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-way-to-curb-coronavirus-harass-its-own-citizens-and-put-them-in-jail-289443">Pakistan's way to curb coronavirus: Harass its own citizens and put them in jail</a>

Karachi is the capital city of Pakistan's Sindh province, which is the second-worst hit region in terms of the number of COVID-19 positive cases, over 500.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-virus-continues-to-spread-in-pakistan-as-1625-cases-reported-289435">Coronavirus: Virus continues to spread in Pakistan as 1,625 cases reported</a>

Earlier, the Sindh government ordered the local NGOs and administration to distribute the ration to daily wage workers and labourers. The distribution of the essentials was carried out by local and district governments.&nbsp;

The refusal of essentials to Hindus was seen in Karachi and other parts of Sindh.&nbsp;

Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza, a political activist warned of a serious food crisis being faced by minorities and urged the Indian government to send supplies to Sindh via Rajasthan.&nbsp;

He also appealed to the Indian PM Narendra Modi to intervene immediately to address a potential humanitarian crisis in the province.&nbsp;

As many as 21 people have died from coronavirus in Pakistan and&nbsp;1,664 are infected, Dawn reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

With over 1600 cases, Pakistan has reported the most number of coronavirus cases in South Asia. The country is already suffering from an economic crisis and has a poor record of treatment to minorities.

With over 1600 cases, Pakistan has reported the most number of coronavirus cases in South Asia. The country is already suffering from an economic crisis and has a poor record of treatment to minorities. The poor have been hard hit and at such harsh times, thousands of poor people in Karachi were denied food supplies and daily essentials, news agency ANI reported. Hindus, who gathered at Rehrri Ghoth in Karachi, were asked to return by the officials, saying that the rations were only meant for Muslims. Also read | Pakistan's way to curb coronavirus: Harass its own citizens and put them in jail Karachi is the capital city of Pakistan's Sindh province, which is the second-worst hit region in terms of the number of COVID-19 positive cases, over 500. Also read | Coronavirus: Virus continues to spread in Pakistan as 1,625 cases reported Earlier, the Sindh government ordered the local NGOs and administration to distribute the ration to daily wage workers and labourers. The distribution of the essentials was carried out by local and district governments. The refusal of essentials to Hindus was seen in Karachi and other parts of Sindh. Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza, a political activist warned of a serious food crisis being faced by minorities and urged the Indian government to send supplies to Sindh via Rajasthan. He also appealed to the Indian PM Narendra Modi to intervene immediately to address a potential humanitarian crisis in the province. As many as 21 people have died from coronavirus in Pakistan and 1,664 are infected, Dawn reported.

Coronavirus: Hindus denied essential supplies in Pakistan's Karachi

The Indian Government has unveiled a $22 billion relief package to ease the life of the poor during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Gravitas: Coronavirus outbreak: India unveils $22 billion relief package

The number of confirmed coronavirus infection cases in Pakistan has risen to 1222, including ten deaths, local media reported on Friday.

Among the worst-hit regions was Sindh with 440 confirmed cases followed by Punjab with 419 cases.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-occupied-kashmir-turning-into-paks-quarantine-centre-intel-inputs-288572"> Pakistan Occupied Kashmir turning into Pak's quarantine centre</a>

Pakistan capital Islamabad has 27 declared cases while in Balochistan which shares a border with one of the worst-affected countries Iran, has 131 cases.

On Wednesday, the Pakistan government announced Rs 1.25 trillion packages to keep the economy afloat amid the coronavirus outbreak which has triggered threats of a global recession.

The package will grant relief to SMEs and daily wage workers.

&nbsp;"The federal and provincial governments are working together," Special Assistant to Prime Minister Hafeez Sheikh said, as reported by DAWN.

Over 3 billion people have been asked to stay at home as governments across the world tackle the World Health Organisation recognised 'pandemic'.&nbsp;

The deadly coronavirus has claimed more than 21,000 lives and has infected 471,035 people globally.

The number of confirmed coronavirus infection cases in Pakistan has risen to 1222, including ten deaths, local media reported on Friday. Among the worst-hit regions was Sindh with 440 confirmed cases followed by Punjab with 419 cases.

The number of confirmed coronavirus infection cases in Pakistan has risen to 1222, including ten deaths, local media reported on Friday. Among the worst-hit regions was Sindh with 440 confirmed cases followed by Punjab with 419 cases. Also read: Pakistan Occupied Kashmir turning into Pak's quarantine centre Pakistan capital Islamabad has 27 declared cases while in Balochistan which shares a border with one of the worst-affected countries Iran, has 131 cases. On Wednesday, the Pakistan government announced Rs 1.25 trillion packages to keep the economy afloat amid the coronavirus outbreak which has triggered threats of a global recession. The package will grant relief to SMEs and daily wage workers. "The federal and provincial governments are working together," Special Assistant to Prime Minister Hafeez Sheikh said, as reported by DAWN. Over 3 billion people have been asked to stay at home as governments across the world tackle the World Health Organisation recognised 'pandemic'. The deadly coronavirus has claimed more than 21,000 lives and has infected 471,035 people globally.

Pakistan: Number of confirmed cases rise to 1222; Sindh province remains worst-hit

Fearing an outbreak of COVID-19 in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit Baltistan, the local authorities and residents have demanded strict restrictions for any traffic movement from Pakistan into the region.

Demands have been raised after seeing the rising number of positive Coronavirus cases in all provinces of Pakistan and attempts by Pakistan Army to bring them at quarantine centres set up in PoK and Gilgit Baltistan.

Sources reveal that hundreds of people got stuck at Kohala border of PoK and Punjab on Thursday after the restrictions imposed by the local authorities.

In a letter written to Commissioner, Mirpur division, the locals have raised the issue of Coronavirus positive patients from Gujrat and Jhelum cities of Punjab province to be brought into PoK.

The letter said, "It has been observed that people from Gujrat and Jhelum districts of Punjab are coming to Bhimber town of PoK. It is requested that a complete entry ban be imposed from Pakistan to PoK".

Recently, there were massive protests by locals in Mirpur city of PoK after the Pakistan Army start occupying plazas (mansions) and private hospitals to convert them into Quarantine centres for COVID-19 patients from Punjab and other provinces.

Junaid Qureshi, a Kashmiri Researcher told ANI,&nbsp;"From East to West, the world is fighting this pandemic by social-distancing, lockdowns, research for medicines and vaccines and economic packages and stimuli for its citizens, and at the same time, Pakistan is disposing of its citizens in its colony, which puts the very underdeveloped region of Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the people living there at great risk of facing catastrophic health and economic consequences".

The situation is turning grim in Gilgit Baltistan where a total of 84 positive COVID-19 patients sparked fear among the locals.

The occupied region is affected by the presence of a large number of Chinese, who are engaged in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

The number of confirmed Coronavirus cases in Pakistan jumped to 1,102 Thursday morning after new cases were reported in Balochistan, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In Punjab province, the number of positive cases stands at 323.

Fearing an outbreak of COVID-19 in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit Baltistan, the local authorities and residents have demanded strict restrictions for any traffic movement from Pakistan into the region.

Fearing an outbreak of COVID-19 in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit Baltistan, the local authorities and residents have demanded strict restrictions for any traffic movement from Pakistan into the region. Demands have been raised after seeing the rising number of positive Coronavirus cases in all provinces of Pakistan and attempts by Pakistan Army to bring them at quarantine centres set up in PoK and Gilgit Baltistan. Sources reveal that hundreds of people got stuck at Kohala border of PoK and Punjab on Thursday after the restrictions imposed by the local authorities. In a letter written to Commissioner, Mirpur division, the locals have raised the issue of Coronavirus positive patients from Gujrat and Jhelum cities of Punjab province to be brought into PoK. The letter said, "It has been observed that people from Gujrat and Jhelum districts of Punjab are coming to Bhimber town of PoK. It is requested that a complete entry ban be imposed from Pakistan to PoK". Recently, there were massive protests by locals in Mirpur city of PoK after the Pakistan Army start occupying plazas (mansions) and private hospitals to convert them into Quarantine centres for COVID-19 patients from Punjab and other provinces. Junaid Qureshi, a Kashmiri Researcher told ANI, "From East to West, the world is fighting this pandemic by social-distancing, lockdowns, research for medicines and vaccines and economic packages and stimuli for its citizens, and at the same time, Pakistan is disposing of its citizens in its colony, which puts the very underdeveloped region of Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the people living there at great risk of facing catastrophic health and economic consequences". The situation is turning grim in Gilgit Baltistan where a total of 84 positive COVID-19 patients sparked fear among the locals. The occupied region is affected by the presence of a large number of Chinese, who are engaged in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. The number of confirmed Coronavirus cases in Pakistan jumped to 1,102 Thursday morning after new cases were reported in Balochistan, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In Punjab province, the number of positive cases stands at 323.

COVID-19: PoK and Gilgit Baltistan asks for travel ban from Pakistan

I&B Advisor to Imran Khan Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan says the Coronavirus is not deadly. Pakistan is reporting more than 1,000 cases. But, it is yet to impose a lockdown. Is Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan downplaying the crisis? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus: Pakistan govt is still in denial

Celebrities can play a crucial role in spreading awareness and containing the coronavirus outbreak.

But, some of them have dropped the ball, like a fashion designer and her husband from Pakistan's Lahore.

Maria butt and her husband have been accused of helping a COVID-19 patient escape.&nbsp;

After learning that her house help, Hafiz Farooq has tested positive for coronavirus, Maria's husband failed to inform the authorities instead he&nbsp;sent him back to his home via public transport, endangering several other lives.

The Lahore police got to know about the incident during a routine patrol and filed an FIR against Maria's husband.

During the investigation, the police&nbsp;sent a person to the couple's house disguised as the cook's relative to elicit a confession.

On March 24, Maria released a video in which she defended her self and her husband while alleging mistreatment and harassment by police.

However,&nbsp;Maria failed to mention why the FIR was filed in the first place.

Describing the police encounter as&nbsp;"abuse and harassment", Maria called herself a responsible citizen of the country.

However, both of them admitted that they sent the cook back home after discovering his status.

Celebrities can play a crucial role in spreading awareness and containing the coronavirus outbreak. But, some of them have dropped the ball, like a fashion designer and her husband from Pakistan's Lahore.

Celebrities can play a crucial role in spreading awareness and containing the coronavirus outbreak. But, some of them have dropped the ball, like a fashion designer and her husband from Pakistan's Lahore. Maria butt and her husband have been accused of helping a COVID-19 patient escape. After learning that her house help, Hafiz Farooq has tested positive for coronavirus, Maria's husband failed to inform the authorities instead he sent him back to his home via public transport, endangering several other lives. The Lahore police got to know about the incident during a routine patrol and filed an FIR against Maria's husband. During the investigation, the police sent a person to the couple's house disguised as the cook's relative to elicit a confession. On March 24, Maria released a video in which she defended her self and her husband while alleging mistreatment and harassment by police. However, Maria failed to mention why the FIR was filed in the first place. Describing the police encounter as "abuse and harassment", Maria called herself a responsible citizen of the country. However, both of them admitted that they sent the cook back home after discovering his status.

Pak fashion designer, husband under fire over sending coronavirus patient home

In the backdrop of coronavirus pandemic, Pakistan government on Wednesday announced Rs 1.25 trillion package to keep the economy afloat. 
 
The package will grant relief to SMEs and daily wage workers. "The federal and provincial governments are working together," Special Assistant to Prime Minister Hafeez Sheikh said, as reported by DAWN.On Tuesday, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Imran Khan to call a meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) to address the current coronavirus outbreak.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/amid-coronavirus-outbreak-pakistan-fears-religious-congregations-288478" hreflang="en">Amid coronavirus outbreak, Pakistan fears religious congregations</a> 
 
He also offered the government various solutions for combating the economic fallout of the novel coronavirus in the country. 
 
He proposed slashing the interest rate by three to four per cent. He further proposed to double the salaries of medical staff. 
 
He also asked to take the media on board and launching an awareness campaign. 
 
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday announced that petrol and diesel prices will be reduced by Rs 15."Petrol, diesel, kerosene and light diesel will all be reduced by Rs15 per litre," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-in-pakistan-number-of-case-cross-1000-7-dead-288434" hreflang="en">Coronavirus in Pakistan: Number of case cross 1000, 7 dead</a> 
 
Pakistan`s tally of confirmed cases has also crossed 1,000 on Wednesday with 1,016 cases and seven deaths. 
 
The Province of Sindh remains worst affected with 413 cases followed by Punjab with 312 cases, 115 cases in Balochistan, 82 in Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), 78 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 16 in national-capital Islamabad.

In the backdrop of coronavirus pandemic, Pakistan government on Wednesday announced Rs 1.25 trillion package to keep the economy afloat. The package will grant relief to SMEs and daily wage workers.

In the backdrop of coronavirus pandemic, Pakistan government on Wednesday announced Rs 1.25 trillion package to keep the economy afloat. The package will grant relief to SMEs and daily wage workers. "The federal and provincial governments are working together," Special Assistant to Prime Minister Hafeez Sheikh said, as reported by DAWN.On Tuesday, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Imran Khan to call a meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) to address the current coronavirus outbreak. Also read: Amid coronavirus outbreak, Pakistan fears religious congregations He also offered the government various solutions for combating the economic fallout of the novel coronavirus in the country. He proposed slashing the interest rate by three to four per cent. He further proposed to double the salaries of medical staff. He also asked to take the media on board and launching an awareness campaign. Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday announced that petrol and diesel prices will be reduced by Rs 15."Petrol, diesel, kerosene and light diesel will all be reduced by Rs15 per litre," he said. Also read: Coronavirus in Pakistan: Number of case cross 1000, 7 dead Pakistan`s tally of confirmed cases has also crossed 1,000 on Wednesday with 1,016 cases and seven deaths. The Province of Sindh remains worst affected with 413 cases followed by Punjab with 312 cases, 115 cases in Balochistan, 82 in Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), 78 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 16 in national-capital Islamabad.

Coronavirus: Pakistan announces ₹1.25 trillion package

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 remains under lockdown with no domestic or international flights taking of or landing. The biggest challenge for the government are people who don't want to follow quarantine guidelines. Tableeghi Jamaat went ahead for congregation despite warning.

Pakistan: Tableeghi Jamaat meet took place despite warning

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

Six district administrative officials in the Pakistani province of Sindh were recently suspended after they took a picture with one of their colleagues who had tested positive for the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

The notification was issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Khairpur yesterday. Based on information from authorities, the six revenue officials who were seen in the picture were suspended soon after people took notice of the image.

Allegedly, the revenue officials had no idea about the medical state of the person in question, who had recently returned from Iran. He was later tested positive for the novel coronavirus, as reported by The Dawn.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-babur-ii-missile-suffers-second-consecutive-setback-crashes-after-two-minutes-288073" hreflang="en">Pakistan's 'Babur II' missile suffers second consecutive setback; crashes after two minutes</a>

All suspended officials hail from different districts.

"Due to the information received through social media regarding selfie by the revenue staff with Irshad Ali Rajpar who recently returned from Iran and was reported as a positive case of coronavirus, the following staff in the selfie are hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect," said the notification.

<h6><img alt="oo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bf6a5fdf-dc06-442a-9059-7678cfe592c9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_109.jpg" /> 
The official government notification 
 
&nbsp;</h6>

So far, over 803 people in Pakistan have tested positive for coronavirus, with 150 new cases registered in the last 24 hours.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cant-impose-lockdown-in-pakistan-as-one-fourth-of-population-survives-on-daily-wages-imran-khan-287959" hreflang="en">Can't impose lockdown in Pakistan as&nbsp;one-fourth of population survives&nbsp;on daily wages: Imran Khan</a>

The death toll in the country now stands at six, after a doctor died of the virus in Gilgit-Baltistan region, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in southern Sindh province rose to 352, Punjab province to 225, in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to 31, western Balochistan province 108, Gilgit-Baltistan 71, the capital's Islamabad 15 while one case confirmed in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday rejected the proposal for the complete lockdown&nbsp;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.

Six district administrative officials in the Pakistani province of Sindh were recently suspended after they took a picture with one of their colleagues who had tested positive for the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

Six district administrative officials in the Pakistani province of Sindh were recently suspended after they took a picture with one of their colleagues who had tested positive for the novel coronavirus COVID-19. The notification was issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Khairpur yesterday. Based on information from authorities, the six revenue officials who were seen in the picture were suspended soon after people took notice of the image. Allegedly, the revenue officials had no idea about the medical state of the person in question, who had recently returned from Iran. He was later tested positive for the novel coronavirus, as reported by The Dawn. Also read: Pakistan's 'Babur II' missile suffers second consecutive setback; crashes after two minutes All suspended officials hail from different districts. "Due to the information received through social media regarding selfie by the revenue staff with Irshad Ali Rajpar who recently returned from Iran and was reported as a positive case of coronavirus, the following staff in the selfie are hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect," said the notification. The official government notification So far, over 803 people in Pakistan have tested positive for coronavirus, with 150 new cases registered in the last 24 hours. Also read: Can't impose lockdown in Pakistan as one-fourth of population survives on daily wages: Imran Khan The death toll in the country now stands at six, after a doctor died of the virus in Gilgit-Baltistan region, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in southern Sindh province rose to 352, Punjab province to 225, in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to 31, western Balochistan province 108, Gilgit-Baltistan 71, the capital's Islamabad 15 while one case confirmed in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan 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 suspends six officials for taking selfie with coronavirus-infected colleague

Pakistan recently tried to launch a cruise missile called “Babur II” but suffered a major setback as the launch was marred by a crash.

The 750-kilometre range missile’s delivery platform crashed and fell two minutes after taking flight. The flight had travelled the elevation distance of 14 kilometres from the launchpad at Sonmiani test range in Balcohistan on March 19.

The Babur II had suffered a similar setback in April 2018, making this the second consecutive test failure.

As per media reports, the launch was conducted under the supervision of Lt Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of General Staff, Pakistan General Headquarters, Rawalpindi, and top officials of Army Strategic Forces Command (ASFC) and Strategic Plans Division.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cant-impose-lockdown-in-pakistan-as-one-fourth-of-population-survives-on-daily-wages-imran-khan-287959">Can't impose lockdown in Pakistan as&nbsp;one-fourth of population survives&nbsp;on daily wages: Imran Khan</a>

As per reports, Pakistani scientists had visited China seeking guidance on the missile.

The Babur I was developed by Pakistan, which has a range of 7000 kilometres and may be fired from both land as well as sea.&nbsp;

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There are also rumours about them attempting to launch an air based missile called RAAD.

China and Pakistan both have evaded the missile technology control protocol.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-number-of-confirmed-coronavirus-cases-rise-to-764-5-dead-287954" hreflang="en">Pakistan: Number of confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 764; 5 dead</a>

A media report claims that China is helping Pakistan build the Babur II in order to counter the Nirbhay cruise being developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The Nirbhay missile has a range of 1000 kilometres.

The missiles in question are equipped with nuclear warhead and also has terrain hugging and sea skimming capabilities.

However, the Indian missile Nirbhay has undergone six test trials, and has achieved all mission objectives.&nbsp;

Pakistan recently tried to launch a cruise missile called “Babur II” but suffered a major setback as the launch was marred by a crash. The 750-kilometre range missile’s delivery platform crashed and fell two minutes after taking flight.

Pakistan recently tried to launch a cruise missile called “Babur II” but suffered a major setback as the launch was marred by a crash. The 750-kilometre range missile’s delivery platform crashed and fell two minutes after taking flight. The flight had travelled the elevation distance of 14 kilometres from the launchpad at Sonmiani test range in Balcohistan on March 19. The Babur II had suffered a similar setback in April 2018, making this the second consecutive test failure. As per media reports, the launch was conducted under the supervision of Lt Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of General Staff, Pakistan General Headquarters, Rawalpindi, and top officials of Army Strategic Forces Command (ASFC) and Strategic Plans Division. Also read: Can't impose lockdown in Pakistan as one-fourth of population survives on daily wages: Imran Khan As per reports, Pakistani scientists had visited China seeking guidance on the missile. The Babur I was developed by Pakistan, which has a range of 7000 kilometres and may be fired from both land as well as sea. There are also rumours about them attempting to launch an air based missile called RAAD. China and Pakistan both have evaded the missile technology control protocol. Also read: Pakistan: Number of confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 764; 5 dead A media report claims that China is helping Pakistan build the Babur II in order to counter the Nirbhay cruise being developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The Nirbhay missile has a range of 1000 kilometres. The missiles in question are equipped with nuclear warhead and also has terrain hugging and sea skimming capabilities. However, the Indian missile Nirbhay has undergone six test trials, and has achieved all mission objectives.

Pakistan's 'Babur II' missile suffers second consecutive setback; crashes after two minutes

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 is witnessing sharp increase in coronavirus cases. Country has reported three deaths and 534 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. Although the lockdown in the country is not announced yet.

Pakistan witness sharp increase in coronavirus cases

Pakistan has managed to secure millions in relief aid from the World Bank. A Health Advisor - accused of corruption, is in charge of Pakistan's coronavirus response. On WION Edit: WION's Palki Sharma tells you why Pakistan cannot be trusted with aid.

WION Edit: Can Pakistan be trusted with relief funds for Wuhan Coronavirus

Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-four-convicts-in-nirbhaya-case-hanged-in-tihar-jail-287467">All four convicts in Nirbhaya case hanged in Tihar jail</a>

All four convicts in the 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape case Mukesh Singh, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta and Vinay Sharma were hanged in Delhi's Tihar jail amid high security.

<img alt="Nirbhaya convicts" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2c2bc80f-647e-448b-a6e1-e7ed2a1764ef" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/133617-untitled-design-1.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-no-new-cases-of-coronavirus-for-second-consecutive-day-287469">China reports no new cases of coronavirus for second consecutive day</a>

The death toll in the country from the virus currently stands at 3,248 even as Italy became the new epicentre of the virus with 3,405 on Thursday.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-sharp-rise-in-coronavirus-cases-as-453-test-positive-287478">Pakistan: Sharp rise in coronavirus cases as 453 test positive</a>

Earlier on Wednesday, the country reported its first two coronavirus fatalities from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province.&nbsp;

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Watch: How the world is dealing with social isolation during Wuhan Coronavirus

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Watch: PM Modi's 9-point action plan for India to fight the Wuhan Coronavirus

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/english-football-association-extends-halt-on-premier-league-and-efl-until-april-30-amid-coronavirus-287474">English Football Association extends halt on Premier League and EFL until April 30 amid coronavirus</a>

The English Premier League's play has been postponed until at least April 30, the governing bodies are prepared to extend the current season indefinitely due to the global pandemic spread.&nbsp;

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Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief. All four convicts in Nirbhaya case hanged in Tihar jail All four convicts in the 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape case Mukesh Singh, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta and Vinay Sharma were hanged in Delhi's Tihar jail amid high security.

Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief. All four convicts in Nirbhaya case hanged in Tihar jail All four convicts in the 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape case Mukesh Singh, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta and Vinay Sharma were hanged in Delhi's Tihar jail amid high security. China reports no new cases of coronavirus for second consecutive day The death toll in the country from the virus currently stands at 3,248 even as Italy became the new epicentre of the virus with 3,405 on Thursday. Pakistan: Sharp rise in coronavirus cases as 453 test positive Earlier on Wednesday, the country reported its first two coronavirus fatalities from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. Watch: How the world is dealing with social isolation during Wuhan Coronavirus × Watch: PM Modi's 9-point action plan for India to fight the Wuhan Coronavirus × English Football Association extends halt on Premier League and EFL until April 30 amid coronavirus The English Premier League's play has been postponed until at least April 30, the governing bodies are prepared to extend the current season indefinitely due to the global pandemic spread.

Morning News Brief: Nirbhaya convicts hanging, coronavirus in Pakistan and more

Pakistan to close Wagha border with India amid coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/everything-just-seemed-to-escalate-dale-steyn-shares-his-experience-in-pakistan-amid-coronavirus-scare-287372" hreflang="en">'Everything just seemed to escalate...' - Dale Steyn shares his experience in Pakistan amid coronavirus scare</a> 
 
Pakistan officials announced on Thursday, that they are going to shut &nbsp;Wagha Border, as Coronavirus case in India rose to 341.&nbsp;The Border will remain close for two weeks.&nbsp; 
 
The interior ministry through a notification said that it closed the key border point with India "for an initial period of two weeks (14 days) with immediate effect".

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-witnesses-first-two-coronavirus-deaths-in-one-day-287273">&nbsp;Pakistan witnesses first two coronavirus deaths in one day</a> 
 
They also said the measure was taken to "prevent the spread of COVID-19, in the best interest of both countries." 
 
Pakistan's also shares a border with Iran and Afghanistan and that had already been closed to restrain the spread of the deadly virus.&nbsp; 
 
On Wednesday, Pakistan's COVID-19 Control and Command Centre (CCC) confirmed 247 coronavirus cases, and so far two people have been <a href="ionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-witnesses-first-two-coronavirus-deaths-in-one-day-287273">died </a>due to a deadly virus.&nbsp; 
 
Coronavirus is now a pandemic and has affected more than 218,000 people, around the world.

Pakistan to close Wagha border with India amid coronavirus outbreak. Also read: 'Everything just seemed to escalate...' - Dale Steyn shares his experience in Pakistan amid coronavirus scare Pakistan officials announced on Thursday, that they are going to shut Wagha Border, as Coronavirus case in India rose to 341.

Pakistan to close Wagha border with India amid coronavirus outbreak. Also read: 'Everything just seemed to escalate...' - Dale Steyn shares his experience in Pakistan amid coronavirus scare Pakistan officials announced on Thursday, that they are going to shut Wagha Border, as Coronavirus case in India rose to 341. The Border will remain close for two weeks. The interior ministry through a notification said that it closed the key border point with India "for an initial period of two weeks (14 days) with immediate effect". Also read: Pakistan witnesses first two coronavirus deaths in one day They also said the measure was taken to "prevent the spread of COVID-19, in the best interest of both countries." Pakistan's also shares a border with Iran and Afghanistan and that had already been closed to restrain the spread of the deadly virus. On Wednesday, Pakistan's COVID-19 Control and Command Centre (CCC) confirmed 247 coronavirus cases, and so far two people have been died due to a deadly virus. Coronavirus is now a pandemic and has affected more than 218,000 people, around the world.

Pakistan closes Wagah border with India for two weeks amid coronavirus scare

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