- Fighting on the front line, at least 253 healthcare workers infected with Covid-19 in Pakistan so far 124 doctors, 39 nurses and and 90 health workers have been infected by the virus in the country.
- Govt allows export of textile masks The govt has yet to take a decision regarding the export of sanitisers.
- Pakistan first to get G4 rank in South Asia Out of the 38 economies in Asia-Pacific, only eight per cent states have managed to achieve G4 status.
- Pakistan launches $595m funding appeal to meet pandemic challenge World Bank pledges $240m package, ADB preparing $300m emergency loan.
- In a first, KP introduces novel ‘pool testing’ approach for Covid-19 Pool testing is a method that involves taking multiple samples and conducting a combined test: Jhagra.
- India’s attempt to link coronavirus to Muslims and Pakistan has ‘failed badly’: DG ISPR Says next 15 days are crucial, “make your homes your places of worship”.
- 79pc infections in Pakistan caused by local transmission Under track and trace system, random testing will be conducted.
- PML-N panel decides to join probe into sugar, wheat scam “Former PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Khurram Dastigir will appear before the commission to present more facts.”
- KP doctors seek complete lockdown amid rising cases of Covid-19 “The province has the highest fatality rate — 5.7pc — as compared to the national 2.14pc,” says PDA president.
- AJK govt allows businesses to remain open for eight hours Dairy shops to remain open till 6pm, restaurants and hotels to deliver food after 4pm.
- Chief secretary removed ‘unceremoniously’ This is fourth high-level transfer during 20 months; Jawwad Rafique Malik appointed new CS.
- Vegetable, fruit retailers begin fleecing consumers ahead of Ramazan Retailers are now keen to cash in on the soaring demand.
- PPP terms govt relief package ‘illegal’ Calls for parliament session, says package not legitimate until approved by representatives.
- Ulema’s responsibility to ensure SOPs for prayer congregations are followed: PM Imran “I know my nation. I knew people had to come out [to pray] during Ramazan,” says Imran Khan.
- Bail pleas of 6 traders arrested for ban violation, rioting in Karachi rejected City commissioner, police chief urge traders to demonstrate responsibility by implementing govt’s orders.
- Sindh restricts Taraweeh prayers in mosques to 3-5 persons after doctors’ warning Murad Ali Shah says the “very difficult” decision was taken after consultation with President Alvi, doctors.
- Lenders’ help lowers Pakistan’s financing risks: Moody’s Rating agency says stimulus package may widen fiscal deficit to 9.5-10pc of GDP.
- Current account deficit shrinks 73pc in 9 months Exports during March declined to $1.818bn compared to $2.037bn in March 2019.
- Developing country debt authority proposed New report highlights urgent measures needed to head off a looming debt disaster due to the pandemic.
- WB sees 23pc cut in Pakistan’s remittances The bank warns, this crisis could be long, deep, and pervasive when viewed through a migration lens.
- Automakers demand tax relief as sales plummet The industry has called for a 50pc cut in general sales tax till December.
- Malaria deaths could double, warns WHO Urges countries in Africa to distribute prevention and treatment tools before they become overwhelmed with Covid-19.
- US will provide ventilators to Pakistan: Trump Unclear whether supply will be US assistance or Islamabad will pay for it.
- Indian Muslims face heightened risk of social exclusion, violence: FO Concern voiced over persecution of journalists in held Kashmir on concocted charges.
- Saarc health ministers discuss pandemic challenge Virtual meeting took forward Pakistan’s earlier initiative to host the Saarc health ministers’ meeting.
- Pompeo maintains virus leaked out from lab, presses China to allow inspections “We still do not have a sample of the virus,” says US secretary of state.
- Alarmed as Covid patients’ blood thickened, New York doctors try new treatments “It’s very striking how much this disease causes clots to form,” says Mount Sinai neurosurgeon.
- Ramiz wants cricket to resume behind closed doors Covid-19 has halted the cricket activities and T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played later this year, is also doubtful.
