PM Imran inquires after virus-stricken Sindh governor

Premier lauds Imran Ismail’s efforts in war against coronavirus

KARACHI: Prime Minister Imran Khan inquired after the health of Sindh Governor Imran Ismail, who has been diagnosed with Covid-19, over a telephone call on Tuesday night.

Governor Ismail late Monday night had confirmed that he was tested positive for Covid-19 and vowed to fight the highly contagious disease. “I believe this is nothing against what we [are] prepared for,” the governor wrote on his official Twitter handle.

I have just been tested Covid 19 positive, Allah Kareem inshallah will fight it out. @ImranKhanPTI thought us to fight out the most difficult in life and I believe this is nothing against what we r prepared for. May Allah give strength to fight this Pandemic inshallah.

— Imran Ismail (@ImranIsmailPTI) April 27, 2020

Sources privy to tonight's telephonic conversation told The Express Tribune that the premier lauded the Sindh governor’s efforts in the fight against novel coronavirus.

Governor Ismail thanked the prime minister for the grand gesture and assured him that he would continue monitoring the disbursement of cash among the needy families under the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Programme.

Sindh Governor Imran Ismail falls prey to coronavirus

He also said that he would embark upon a province-wide visit to monitor the coronavirus situation.

The ailing governor also briefed Prime Minister Imran on the current situation of the virus outbreak in Sindh. The premier expressed concerns over obstacles in the distribution of food rations among the underprivileged.

“Don’t be scared and fight corona… I am sure you won’t get panicked,” the prime minister was quoted as saying in a light vein to encourage the governor.

Ismail is the third prominent personality in the country, who is diagnosed with the mysterious disease originated in China.

I am thankful to all the cabinet members, friends & family who showed their concern regarding my health. Specially PM Khan @ImranKhanPTI President @ArifAlvi CM Sindh @MuradAliShahPPP CM Punjab @UsmanAKBuzdar and all Governors. I am in good health & spirit Alhamdollilah.

— Imran Ismail (@ImranIsmailPTI) April 28, 2020

Earlier this month, Faisal Edhi, the chairman of Edhi Foundation, had also tested positive for Covid-19, the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus.

The development prompted Prime Minister Imran to get tested for the virus as he also met Faisal Edhi. However, the premier tested negative for the disease.

Last month, Sindh Education Minister Saeed Ghani was diagnosed with coronavirus and after spending a week in self-isolation, he recuperated from the mysterious illness.

Governor Ismail also went into self-isolation after Ghani had detected with coronavirus as both the persons remained in contact.

As of now, the nationwide tally of Covid-19 patients stands at 14,788 with 5,730 cases in Punjab, 5,291 in Sindh, 2,160 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 915 in Balochistan, 330 in Gilgit-Baltistan, 297 in Islamabad and 65 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The virus has claimed at least 322 lives while at least 3,233 coronavirus patients have recovered.