Pakistan's COVID-19 cases rise to 3,278 with 48 deaths

THE total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has risen to 3,278 including 48 deaths in Pakistan, according to the latest reports on Monday (6).

According to health ministry figures at least 512 people were tested positive while eight deaths were registered from Friday to Sunday.

The country's eastern Punjab province continued to be the most affected region with 1,493 confirmed cases, followed by southern Sindh province which recorded 881 cases so far.

The number of cases reached 405 in northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, 225 in north Gilgit-Baltistan region, 192 in southwest Balochistan province, and 82 in the capital Islamabad.

At least 15 people have lost their lives in Sindh, 14 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 12 in Punjab. Overall, 257 people across the country recovered and were discharged from the hospitals, which is about 5.6 percent of the total positive cases.

A 25 member parliamentary committee on coronavirus — presided over by National Assembly Speaker Asad Qiaser — will meet on Monday.

During the meeting, members will be briefed on steps taking to curb the transmission of the disease and for treating patients by key ministers and senior government officials.

The provincial police department has notified that under-trial prisoners will no longer be presented in all courts in Lahore from April 6 (today) to April 14, due to the coronavirus outbreak.

"It is requested that concerned courts may kindly be directed for fixation of cases for next dates," the notification said.

Recently, Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan asked Pakistani people not to be careless in taking precautions against the pandemic.

He further said that the coronavirus is a two-fold challenge for Pakistan because the government needs to control its spread besides assisting the poor and needy people.