PM Imran briefs media. SCREENGRAB
KARACHI / ISLAMABAD / LAHORE / PESHAWAR / QUETTA: The novel coronavirus – which originated within the central China metropolis of Wuhan in the direction of the top of December 2019 – has unfold to all continents excluding Antarctica. The COVID-19 respiratory sickness brought on by the mysterious contagion has up to now killed hundreds of individuals and contaminated tens of hundreds of others throughout the globe.
Although the lethal infestation has been contained by the Chinese language authorities in Wuhan, the virus has now unfold elsewhere, particularly in Europe and the US, with the World Well being Organisation declaring Europe as the brand new epicentre of the viral illness.
Pakistan, regardless of its shut proximity with China, remained unscathed till February 26 when a younger man from Karachi examined constructive for the novel coronavirus. He had returned from Iran – one of many worst-hit nations.
After a quick pause following the primary case, COVID-19 instances witnessed a pointy surge as extra pilgrims coming back from Iran examined constructive.
The nationwide tally of COVID-19 sufferers has soared to 990 with 410 instances in Sindh; 110 in Balochistan; 296 in Punjab; 78 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa; 80 in Gilgit-Baltistan; 15 in Islamabad; and one in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistan confirmed three casualties from the virus on March 22 – one every in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. The primary two casualties have been reported on March 18 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the third was a most cancers survivor in Karachi.
Because the state of affairs stays fluid, the stats are altering quick and we’re updating them accordingly.
Comply with The Categorical Tribune’s dwell protection of the pandemic right here.
11:58pm: Punjab CM confirms 15 new instances; tally rises to 296
Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzadar has confirmed 15 new instances of COVID-19 within the province, bringing the provincial tally to 296.
“I can confirm that currently there are 296 positive cases of #COVID19 in Punjab,” he wrote on his official Twitter deal with late on Tuesday.
“65 are in Lahore, 20 in Gujrat, eight in Gujranwala, 16 in Jhelum, two in Rawalpindi, three in Multan, two in Faisalabad, and one each in Mandibahuddin, Narowal, Rahim Yar Khan and Sargodha. DG Khan quarantine centre has 176 cases,” he added.
I can verify that at the moment there are 296 constructive instances of #COVID19 in Punjab.
65 are in Lahore, 20 in Gujrat, Gujranwala 8, Jhelum 16, Rawalpindi 2, Multan 3, Faisalabad 2, Mandibahuddin 1, Narowal 1, RYK 1, Sargodha 1 and DGK quarantine have 176 instances. #StayAtHomeSaveLives— Usman Buzdar (@UsmanAKBuzdar) March 24, 2020
11:00pm: Three extra instances in Karachi elevate Sindh’s COVID-19 tally to 410
The Sindh authorities has confirmed a regionally transmitted case amongst three in Karachi, elevating the provincial tally to 410.
10:15pm: One other 10 COVID-19 sufferers cured in Sindh
Ten extra sufferers of novel coronavirus in Sindh have recovered as their assessments got here unfavourable on Tuesday, provincial authorities’s spokesperson Murtaza Wahab stated.
Complete variety of sufferers who’ve recovered in Sindh has now risen to 14, he added in a tweet.
One other 10 sufferers of #COVIDー19 in #Sindh have recovered and their assessments have come unfavourable. Complete variety of sufferers who’ve recovered in Sindh at the moment are 14. Alhamdolillah
— SenatorMurtaza Wahab (@murtazawahab1) March 24, 2020
9:45pm: Govt suspends all forms of home flights after grounding int’l flights
The federal government, after due session with all airline operators, has determined to droop all forms of home flight operations from Thursday, March 26 until April 2.
“Government of Pakistan, after due consultation with all airline operators, has decided to suspend all types of domestic scheduled/ nonscheduled (CMM) chartered and private aircraft passenger flight operations with effect from Thursday 26th March, 2020 at 0600 hours PST,” reads an official communiqué launched on Tuesday.
The aforementioned suspension won’t apply on cargo and particular flights topic to crucial clearance, it added.
9:30pm: $50 million fund permitted to purchase medical gear amid COVID-19 fears
The Nationwide Catastrophe Threat Administration Fund (NDRMF) has permitted $50 million fund to purchase medical gear together with ventilators, diagnostic kits to take care of the coronavirus disaster.
The official assertion issued on Tuesday stated the approval was granted on the directives of Prime Minister Imran Khan to the Nationwide Catastrophe Administration Auhtority (NDMA).
“Based on anticipated/forecasted, the grant will be used to effectively respond to minimise impact of COVID-19 through provision of medical products including but not limited to testing kits, viral RNA extraction kits, mobile x-ray machines, clinical ICU ventilators, syringe pumps, N95 masks, thermal guns and scanners,” in response to the communique.
Learn extra right here.
9:15pm: Pakistan Military won’t go away G-B individuals alone in these difficult instances: COAS
Military chief Normal Qamar Javed Bajwa has stated that Pakistan’s armed forces won’t ever go away the individuals of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) alone in these difficult instances.
“Pakistan Army is cognisant of the challenges facing the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. We are working closely with GB’s govt and civil administration to provide all possible support while additional resources are being arranged on war footing in conjunction with the federal government,” the military chief was quoted as saying by the chief army spokesperson.
“We will never leave the people of GB alone in these challenging times. Pakistanis will fight against COVID-19 as one,” Gen Qamar stated.
Presently, G-B has 80 confirmed coronavirus instances, or 30% of the entire assessments carried out within the area. Equally, the area has 509 suspected instances, of which 162 have been reported over the past 24 hours.
One individual has up to now died of the COVID-19 illness within the area. The deceased, Dr Usama Riaz, had reportedly contracted the lethal respiratory illness brought on by the coronavirus whereas screening pilgrims coming back from Iran at G-B.
Learn full story right here.
8:30pm: Sindh govt decides to maintain all grocery retailers closed from 8pm to 8am
“All grocery shops will remain closed from 8pm to 8am,” Sindh Info Minister Nasir Hussain Shah stated on Tuesday.
Hospitals nevertheless will work 24 hours in accordance with the chief minister’s directives, he added.
7:30pm: 40 new coronavirus instances floor in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, tally rises to 78
With 40 new COVID-19 instances reported in numerous districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa) on Tuesday, the provincial tally has risen to 78.
5:30pm: With 13 new COVID-19 instances Sindh’s tally rises to 407
The Sindh authorities has confirmed 13 new instances — Eight regionally transmitted in Karachi and 5 amongst pilgrims at Sukkur quarantine facility — bringing the tally to 407.
There are a complete of 142 confirmed instances within the province with 141 in Karachi and one in Dadu. 4 sufferers have cured and one died final week.
However, 265 pilgrims have examined constructive in Sukkur up to now.
5:15pm: Punjab experiences 16 information coronavirus instances, tally soars to 265
The Punjab govt has reported 16 new instances of COVID-19, bringing the entire variety of instances to 265 within the province.
5:00pm: PM Imran publicizes resolution to scale back costs of petroleum merchandise by Rs 15 amid disaster
Prime Minister Imran Khan is briefing media, specializing in the federal government’s rapid measures to take care of coronavirus disaster within the nation.
“Chaos is more dangerous than coronavirus if we take any decision in haste it will have dire impact on the society,” stated the prime minister.
He stated the choice of lockdown was first mentioned after the Nationwide Safety Committee (NSC) assembly. “I opposed the complete lockdown which is curfew,” he added.
Full shutdown will disrupt the availability of meals objects and medical gear, stated the premier. “This is not a T-20 match and this crisis may continue for six or seven months,” he added.
“Curfew is the last stage of lockdown… I am so much concerned about the downtrodden segment of the society as to how would they meet their ends during curfew,” he stated.
“However if situation worsens, then we will have no option but to impose curfew but with comprehensive strategy,” he added.
“We will form a team of volunteers to distribute food items to the poor if curfew was imposed,” stated the prime minister.
Prime Minister Imran stated he would have imposed curfew instantly if state of affairs in Pakistan was as dangerous as it’s in Italy and remainder of the Europe. “But in Pakistan it is not feasible considering number of poor in the country,” he defined.
Pakistan has a majority of younger inhabitants that’s why the state of affairs right here is totally different from Italy, he maintained.
PM Imran stated the federal government has permitted the stimulus package deal to assist the poor and enterprise neighborhood. “We have allocated Rs200 billion for labourers… we will immediately release Rs100 billion tax refunds to exporters and industry,” he introduced.
The premier additionally introduced decreasing the costs of petroleum merchandise by Rs15.
With out complete technique curfew can’t be imposed, stated the PM, including that the technique would change with evolving state of affairs.
“After the 18th Constitutional amendment, Sindh has the right to take its own decisions… that’s why they imposed a complete lockdown in the province.”
He stated the federal authorities wouldn’t dictate provinces as they have been empowered to take their very own choices.
“We are constantly monitoring the situation and preparing the paramedical staff and arranging ventilators to deal with the coronavirus crisis.”
وزیراعظم عمران خان کا سینئر صحافیوں سے مکالمہ https://t.co/G55K59BLXy
— Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) March 24, 2020
Learn full story right here.
4:20pm: Punjab CM addresses media
Chief Minister Usman Buzdar held a information convention as Punjab enters its first day of lockdown.
Reside Stream: Chief Minister of Punjab Usman Buzdar Press Convention in Lahore (24.03.2020)#PTIhttps://t.co/DCFD7CI1Ed
— Authorities of Punjab (@GOPunjabPK) March 24, 2020
4:19pm: Jhagra shares public service message
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Finance Minister Taimur Jhagra shared a public service message on prevention of COVID-19
گھر ٹھہریئے – تاکہ کورونا وائرس کا مقابلہ کریں
Keep at residence. Let’s beat the #CoronavirusPandemic. That is why the Govt of KP, (like govts throughout Pakistan and the world) has ensured a shut down within the province. pic.twitter.com/8isH0BpDbk
— Taimur Khan Jhagra (@Jhagra) March 24, 2020
4:16pm: Balochistan beneath lockdown
Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan shared picture of a province beneath lockdown.
All efforts are made to verify markets, retailers and locations stay closed as per coverage laid. pic.twitter.com/wVApyf81gQ
— Jam Kamal Khan (@jam_kamal) March 24, 2020
3:10pm Punjab experiences first demise
Punjab Well being Minister Yasmin Rashid confirmed the primary demise within the province. The 57-year-old coronavirus affected person was admitted in a Lahore hospital.
Sadly, a #COVID19 Affected person Afrasiyab, aged 57, who was admitted in Mayo Hospital, misplaced his life at this time. These are certainly troublesome instances for the entire nation. Solely approach we will battle this pandemic is by staying indoors and following the precautionary measures.
— Dr. Yasmin Rashid (@Dr_YasminRashid) March 24, 2020
2:00pm: Peshawar police adopts protecting gear amid COVID-19 outbreak
Peshawar Police adopted China’s security mannequin towards the virus with a protecting go well with that covers the whole physique. At the least 100 fits have been sanctioned within the first part for on-duty safety personnel whereas extra fits could be given to personnel performing responsibility at quarantine facilities.
1:40pm: Six G-B COVID-19 sufferers get well
At the least six COVID-19 sufferers have been discharged from hospital in Islamabad and G-B after full restoration on Tuesday.
Two of the six sufferers acquired therapy at PIMS whereas the remaining 4 have been admitted at a hospital in G-B.
1:30pm: Pakistan suspends passenger prepare service
Pakistan Railways on Tuesday stated all passenger prepare companies will probably be suspended for seven days until March 31.
Taking impact from midnight, all passenger trains will stay suspended owing to the rising variety of novel coronavirus instances within the nation, whereas cargo trains will proceed to perform in response to their schedule.
“Passengers who have advance booking on a suspended train will be accommodated in other trains of their choice on priority once the train service is resumed. In case of not availing the ticket, they will get a full refund,” stated the notification.
1:00pm: Sindh govt launches cell service to supply rations
Sindh authorities has determined to launch a cell service within the province to supply ration to needy individuals. This was determined at a gathering held at CM Home on Tuesday.
Chairing the assembly CM Syed Murad Ali Shah stated, “we will dedicate a number for this cause. Those who need ration can text the number. I also request the philanthropists to come forward and help this cause”.
12:55pm: Sindh Police arrests over 740 individuals for violating lockdown
Sindh Police has arrested over 740 individuals and registered greater than 130 instances in violations of Part 144 of the CrPc.
12:55pm: Dr Zafar Mirza tweets NDMA helpline
State Minister for Well being Dr Zafar Mirza stated the NDMA was main the cost towards COVID-19 in Pakistan. He supplied particulars for donations.
NDMA is the lead operational company of in #COVIDー19 emergency. An entire-of-the-Govt method is being employed. Anyone wish to donate to assist GoP with the response please contact: Maj Sajjad Kiani +92 334 5888555 or + 92 3432851914 or +92 51 9201056 advisor@ndma.gov.pk
<267>— Zafar Mirza (@zfrmrza) March 24, 2020
11:30am: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa govt directs mosque administrations to make sure cleanliness
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa authorities on Tuesday directed administration workers to take away carpets and guarantee cleanliness in mosques throughout the province.
10:57am: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari calls for Centre’s assist to battle the pandemic
“It is a government’s responsibility to ensure basic healthcare,” stated PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in a video message. “At a time when the world faces a pandemic in the name of novel coronavirus – infecting and causing deaths around the globe – a virus that does not have vaccine or treatment yet, Sindh government has taken tough decisions to protect you against the virus and prevent its spread.”
“We appeal for the citizens to cooperate with the authorities. If you feel the symptoms, contact the government so we can get you tested.”
“I know a lot of people are worried about sustenance during the lockdown,” he continued. “If you are in need of rations, contact the government so we can provide you with essentials.”
He additionally appealed to those that can afford to donate as nicely and collectively assist the poor.
“I know people are worried about their jobs during the crisis,” stated Bilawal. “In this regard, the Sindh government has issued a notification barring employer to terminate employees and instructing them to ensure salaries are paid. If your employer is not adhering to the directive, contact the government so we can take action.”
“To the employers, I appeal to you to cooperate. Once we are out of this crisis situation, the provincial government will compensate you,” he promised.
“The Sindh government is taking tough decisions. We also demand the federal government help us fight the pandemic,” stated Bilawal. “We can fight this virus by uniting as a nation. If you don’t’ cooperate with us by staying at home for the next 14 days, our efforts will be in vain. Pakistan will see more infections and may be even more deaths. We will not be able to endure it.”
Sindh lockdown message. Keep at residence pls !
#PakistanVsCorona https://t.co/2SpegJqYed— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) March 24, 2020
9:30am: UN chief urges international ceasefire amid COVID-19 pandemic
United Nations Secretary-Normal Antonio Guterres referred to as for a direct international ceasefire in gentle of the rising variety of the novel coronavirus instances.
“COVID-19 does not care about nationality or ethnicity, faction or faith. It attacks all, relentlessly,” he wrote. “Meanwhile, armed conflict rages on around the world and the most vulnerable pay the highest price.”
“That’s why I’m calling for an immediate global ceasefire,” he asserted.
#COVID19 doesn’t care about nationality or ethnicity, faction or religion. It assaults all, relentlessly.
In the meantime, armed battle rages on around the globe and essentially the most susceptible pay the very best worth.
That is why I am calling for a direct international ceasefire.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) March 24, 2020
9:ooam: PSX to start buying and selling at 11:00am at this time
The Securities & Alternate Fee of Pakistan (SECP) has directed PSX to start commerce at 11:00am from Tuesday.
The length of commerce halt has been capped at two hours in case the secondary benchmark, KSE-30 Index, falls over 5 per cent and fails to get well in 5 minutes.
The change in timing for the market opening is for 15 days.
1:00am: Punjab CM confirms three new instances
Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar confirmed three new instances, pushing the provisional tally to 249. “176 in Dera Ghazi Khan, 51 in Lahore, Six in Gujranwala, 5 in Gujrat, Three in Jhelum, Two every in Rawalpindi and Multan and one every in Faisalabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Rahim Yaar Khan and Sargodha.
To date complete confirmed instances of #COVID in Punjab are 249.
DGK Quarantine have 176, Lahore 51, Gujrat 5, Gujranwala 6, Jhelum 3, Rawalpindi 2, Multan 2, Faisalabad 1, MandBD 1, RYK 1 and 1 case in Sargodha. 1/2— Usman Buzdar (@UsmanAKBuzdar) March 23, 2020
12:30am: SBP to make sure provision of disinfected money amid virus disaster
The State Financial institution of Pakistan (SBP) has taken a number of measures to facilitate the monetary customers throughout coronavirus disaster together with the supply of ‘disinfected cash’ and round the clock availability of ATMs within the nation.
“Banks will provide fit, authenticated and disinfected cash. SBP will ensure to clean, disinfect, seal and quarantine all cash being collected from hospitals and clinics and to block the circulation of such cash in the market,” the central financial institution stated in an announcement issued following a gathering, chaired by SBP Governor Reza Baqir and attended by non-public financial institution’s presidents and different officers, on Monday.
Learn full story right here.
12:05am: PM Imran approves financial aid package deal amid surge in instances
Prime Minister Imran Khan permitted an financial aid package deal aimed to counter the general impact of novel coronavirus on the poor and industrial sector within the wake of suspension of commerce actions throughout the nation. Underneath the package deal, a month-to-month stipend of Rs3,00zero will probably be given to each day wagers.
The premier is predicted to announce tax incentive for building business at this time.
Learn the complete story right here.
12:00am: Cambridge cancel Could/June worldwide exams
Cambridge Worldwide determined to cancel all examinations with college students now being graded based mostly on expertise and information gained of their respective programs as novel coronavirus outbreak brings the world to a standstill.
Learn the complete story right here.
Various stats
The various stats paint a dismissal image of coordination between the federal and provincial governments.
Sindh authorities has come out criticising Centre for lack of foresight in quarantine preparations in Taftan the place over 9,00zero pilgrims coming back from Iran have been and are being quarantined by the Balochistan authorities in a ‘tent city’.
After finishing the 14-day incubation interval, the pilgrims are allowed to journey again to their cities. Nevertheless, Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have been sending the pilgrims to isolation services in Sukkur and Dera Ismail Khan and operating assessments earlier than permitting additional journey.
The federal authorities maintained that well being was a provincial matter beneath the 18th Modification, nevertheless, Pakistan Peoples Social gathering (PPP) argued that border administration falls beneath Centre’s area.
Learn extra right here.Lockdown
On March 23, the federal authorities green-lighted army in support of civil energy beneath Article 245 learn with Part 131(A) of CrPc throughout the nation. DG ISPR Maj-Gen Babar Iftikhar briefed media on the rules of the lockdown in a information convention.
The choice got here a day after PM Imran Khan categorically dominated out lockdown owing to financial state of affairs and urged residents to self-quarantine.
A lot of the nation was already beneath a lockdown as a part of sweeping measures to stop the unfold of the virus.
Sindh introduced a 15-day lockdown from March 23 with Punjab, G-B and AJK following go well with. Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have been beneath a partial lockdown with minimal motion whereas Part 144 was imposed in Islamabad.
Instructional establishments, purchasing malls, markets, eating places, and different non-public enterprise remained closed whereas inter-provincial and inter-city transport was additionally suspended. Factories, banks and the monetary sector was directed to scale back work hours.
Preventive measures
On March 13, Nationwide Safety Committee fashioned a Novel Coronavirus Core Committee and tasked it to carry each day conferences of federal and provincial authorities.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) authorities tasked Nationwide Catastrophe Administration Authority (NDMA) to coordinate with provincial governments and lead the battle towards novel coronavirus.
The federal authorities additionally determined to ban public gatherings, shut all academic establishments till April 5 and cancel Pakistan Day parade on March 23. It additionally sealed borders and restricted worldwide flights operations to Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.
Nevertheless, the NSC resolution on worldwide journey was taken again on Tuesday when the federal government lifted restrictions on all airports besides Gwadar and Turbat.
On March 21, the federal government determined to droop all worldwide flights arriving within the nation for 2 weeks. The ban won’t apply to Pakistan Worldwide Airways (PIA), which is allowed to deliver again its planes from internationally.
That call additionally noticed contradictions with the federal authorities deciding to repatriate Pakistanis stranded at airports overseas.
