LIVE: PM Imran visits Karachi as Covid-19 tally reaches 151,883

Virus has claimed at least 2,896 lives while around 56,390 patients have recovered

ISLAMABAD / KARACHI / PESHAWAR / LAHORE / QUETTA / MUZAFFARABAD: The novel coronavirus emerged in the central China city of Wuhan towards the end of last year and proliferated to almost the whole world within a couple of months. It’s not the virulence or fatality, but the infectivity of the new virus – also known as SARS-CoV-2 – that has set off a global frenzy.

The Covid-19 respiratory illness caused by this mysterious contagion has so far infected more than 7.9 million people in 202 countries and territories of the world – and over 432,000 of them have died and counting.

Pakistan, despite its close proximity with China, remained coronavirus-free until February 26 when a young man from Karachi tested positive after returning from Iran – one of the worst-hit countries. After a brief hiatus following the first case, Covid-19 cases spiked as more pilgrims returning from Iran tested positive for the virus.

Nearly one-and-a-half months after imposing the lockdown across the country, Prime Minister Imran Khan announced to ease the lockdown in phases.

The nationwide tally of Covid-19 patients stands at 151,883 with 55,878 cases in Punjab, 57,868 in Sindh, 19,107 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 8,327 in Balochistan, 1,143 in Gilgit-Baltistan, 8,857 in Islamabad and 703 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The virus has claimed at least 2,896 lives while around 56,390 coronavirus patients have recovered.

The situation remains fluid and we’re updating stats as soon as new figures are officially released.

Follow The Express Tribune’s live coverage of the pandemic here.



9:13pm: Local transmission cases rise to 55,842 in Sindh





9:00pm: PM Imran arrives in Karachi, meets Sindh governor

وزیر اعظم عمران خان سے گورنر سندھ عمران اسماعیل کی کراچی میں ملاقات۔ pic.twitter.com/cVjkBOfuax

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 16, 2020

7:40pm: 40 fresh cases raise Covid-19 tally to 703 in AJK

Health officials in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have reported another 40 cases of coronavirus to raise the state’s tally to 703.

No deaths were reported in the past 24 hours.

The virus has claimed 13 lives while 290 people have recovered from the contagious disease in the region so far. Active cases stand at 400.



6:40pm: Another doctor loses battle against Covid-19 in K-P

Abbas Tariq, the head doctor of Institute of Kidney Disease Hayatabad’s Anesthesia Department, has died of Covid-19, becoming the sixth doctor to have lost the battle against the deadly virus in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

He was fighting the coronavirus on the frontline.

According to the Young Doctors Association (YDA), 460 doctors have contracted the virus in the province thus far.

Dr Abbas Tariq. PHOTO: EXPRESS



5:50pm: Balochistan extends lockdown till June 30

According to a notification issued on Tuesday, all educational institutions in the province will remain closed till July 15.





5:40pm: 24 more succumb to virus in K-P with 635 new cases in 24 hours

The Khyber-Pakhtubkhwa (K-P) health department has confirmed another 24 casualties due to coronavirus in the past 24 hours to bring the provincial death toll to 732.

14 deaths were reported in Peshawar, two in Kohat, and one each in Mardan, Swabi, Buner, Dir Lower & Upper, Kurram, Bannu and Malakand.

Health officials also reported 635 new cases of Covid-19, taking the total in the province to 19,107.

230 patients have recovered, taking total to 4,922. 108,445 total tests have been conducted in the province so far.





4:30pm: Sindh reports 2,287 new cases

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah reported 2,287 new cases, raising the provincial tally to 57,868.

The chief minister said 33 more persons succumbed to the virus and the province's death toll has reached 886.

1,230 patients have recovered today, he added, taking the total number of recovered patients in the province to 29,245.

3:40pm: Rs125.54b disbursed under Ehsaas Emergency Cash Programme

The Ehsaas Emergency Cash programme has disbursed over Rs125.54 billion among more than 10,329,000 beneficiaries under different categories so far since start of the payment process.

The programme was initiated to disburse cash amount of Rs12,000 among those affected from the coronavirus lockdown. The payment process under different categories of the programme was continued across the country.

According to the cash update received by official source on June 16, a total of over Rs54.70 billion has been disbursed among over 4,509,000 deserving families in Punjab so far while around Rs37.13 billion has been disbursed among 3,075,000 families in Sindh.

Over Rs23.61 billion has been disbursed among more than 1,921,000 beneficiaries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while over Rs6.33 billion has been disbursed among 520,000 persons in Balochistan.

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, over Rs2.19 billion have been distributed among 177,000 persons while Rs910 million has been distributed among more than 73,000 people in Gilgit Baltistan.

An amount of Rs640 million has been disbursed among more than 53,000 beneficiaries in Islamabad.

2:50pm: Govt to strictly monitor implementation of Covid-19 SOPs, says Ali Muhammad

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan has said that the government would not tolerate violation of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Talking to a private news channel, Ali Muhammad said that protection of life and property of people was the prime responsibility of the government and no stone would be left unturned to fulfill the responsibility.

He said the center government is making efforts to control the spread of Covid-19 from the day one, adding, government is increasing its testing capabilities to deal with the challenge of coronavirus.

The SOPs and guidelines issued with the mutual consensus of health experts must be followed strictly in order to create balance between economic activities and controlling spread of this pandemic, he advised.

2:20pm: Federal, provincial govts decide to impose 'smart lockdown' at virus hotspots

The federal and provincial governments have decided to seal areas that are affected most by the coronavirus outbreak across the country under the ‘smart lockdown’ strategy.

The decision was taken amid rising numbers of Covid-19 patients. The administrations have started the process of sealing hotspots which will be completed by midnight tonight.

Read story here

1:30pm: Punjab CM lauds finance team for balanced budget providing relief to sectors affected by Covid-19

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar said the provincial government's primary focus in the budget was to save lives, save jobs and provide businesses with an opportunity to revive themselves.

He lauded the finance team for presenting a balanced budget providing relief to the sectors most affected by the pandemic.

Our primary focus in #PunjabBudget2020 was to save lives, save jobs and provide businesses with an opportunity to revive themselves.

Finance team deserves appreciation for presenting a balanced budget providing relief for the sectors/segments most affected by COVID-19 pandemic. https://t.co/wQ48DwMHRn

— Usman Buzdar (@UsmanAKBuzdar) June 16, 2020

1:10pm: PM emphasises need to work together to fight Covid-19

On the anniversary of the D-8 Organisation for Economic Development, Prime Minister Imran Khan emphasised the need to work together to and confront challenges faced by the pandemic.

In the context of #Covid19, PM emphasised the need to work together & confront the challenges in a holistic manner to save lives & regenerate economies.

PM reiterated 🇵🇰 commitment to vision & objectives of #D8 & reaffirmed full support & cooperation in advancing shared goals.

— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) June 16, 2020

12:55pm: Pakistan receives export orders worth $100m for PPEs

Pakistan has received export orders worth $100 million for its domestically manufactured personal protective equipment (PPE).

Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry said many countries are interested in Pakistani equipment, adding that the figure could surpass $500 million in the next few months.

12:35pm: 'People must change their lifestyles' 

Punjab Industries and Trade Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal said the number of local cases are increasing, adding that citizens must take precautionary measures to mitigate the spread of the virus.

"The aim of the lockdown is to confine people to their homes, they must change their lifestyles," the minister added.

He said hotspot areas have been identified in the province.

12:25pm: Sindh government allows hotspots in Karachi to be sealed

Due to the increasing number of cases in Karachi, the decision has been made to seal two union councils in the West District.

The Sindh government had previously decided to seal off hotspots in the city and have permitted more than 15 areas in the city to be sealed.

12:20pm: Islamabad's sector I-8, I-10 to be sealed 

Due to the increasing number of cases in Islamabad's sector I-8 and I-10, Islamabad Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hamza Shafqat said a notification will be issued within 24 hours to seal the areas.

In the last 24 hours, 200 cases emerged in sector I-8 and 400 cases in I-10.

12:05pm: 40 cabin crew members, 10 pilots of PIA test positive for Covid-19

10 pilots and 40 cabin crew members of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have contracted the virus.

Family members of the pilots have also contracted the virus.

11:15am: Federal cabinet to meet today to discuss Covid-19 fund

A meeting of the federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan will be held in Islamabad today to discuss Covid-19 developments in the country and the establishment of the Covid-19 fund.

11:05am: China donates 102 tonnes of medical equipment to Pakistan

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt Gen Muhammad Afzal said China has sent another consignment of medical goods to Pakistan.

The chairman received the goods from the Chinese ambassador.

The 102 tonnes of relief goods included 150,000 N95 face masks, 150,000 medical masks, 150,000 protective eye glasses and 150,000 surgical gowns.

10:55am: 571 cases of violation of SOPs registered in Lahore

Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore Zulfiqar Hameed said 571 cases of violation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) have been registered in Lahore.

Police observed 25,275 shops in 990 markets and sealed 1,716 shops for violating government orders. In addition, 13,413 shopkeepers were warned for minor violations.

10:50am: DRAP approves registration of two more drugs

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has approved the registration of two more drugs - Tocilizumab and Remedesivir - on a priority basis.

DRAP has issued an official circular to concerned agencies and organisations.

10:40am: 12,400 violations of health guidelines across Pakistan

During the last 24 hours, more than 12,400 violations of health guidelines have been observed across the country.

More than 1,512 shops, 14 industries and 1,466 vehicles have been cautioned, fined or sealed.

Chief secretaries of the provinces and representatives of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) and Islamabad are participating through video link to brief the NCOC about a smart lockdown and enforcing measures in various areas based on the Trace, Test and Quarantine (TTQ) strategy.

10:20am: Dr Zafar Mirza warns strict action against overpricing of life-saving drugs for Covid-19 patients

The federal government has warned that strict action will be taken against overpricing or black marketing of life-saving drugs used by Covid-19 patients.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services Dr Zafar Mirza said the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has been ordered to ensure the availability of medicines used to control the virus.

He said Tocilizumab (Actemra) and Remedesivir injections used for coronavirus patients will be distributed to critically ill patients.

The special assistant said the public should inform DRAP on 0800-03727 if they have been overcharged for injections.

10:10am: Field activities regarding Sero-Prevalence Survey for Covid-19 continues in Islamabad

Field activities regarding Sero-Prevalence Survey for COVID-19 are continued in Islamabad. pic.twitter.com/wqNWeked1S

— NIH Pakistan (@NIH_Pakistan) June 16, 2020

9:45am: Govt to impose smart lockdown in hotspot areas, says Shibli Faraz

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz said the government would impose a smart lockdown in hotspot areas across the country to control the spread of the virus.

The minister said these areas would be sealed because of the increasing number of cases in the country.

Compared to other countries across the globe, Pakistan's Covid-19 tally is less, he added.

9:20am: PM Imran to arrive in Karachi today

Prime Minister Imran Khan will arrive in Karachi today to discuss the pandemic with political stakeholders of Sindh.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Governor Imran Ismail will also call on the premier.

9:00am: Seven special flights to repatriate Pakistanis from Saudi Arabia

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has given Saudi Arabian Airlines permission to operate flights in Pakistan.

This decision was made by the government to bring back stranded Pakistani nationals in various cities of Saudi Arabia, through seven special flights.

The first flight, carrying 250 passengers will depart from Riyadh and arrive at Islamabad International Airport today.

The second flight, carrying 250 stranded Pakistanis will depart from Jeddah and arrive in Lahore today.

According to sources, the third flight, carrying 240 passengers will reach Islamabad on June 17.

In addition, the fourth flight, carrying 250 passengers will reach Karachi on June 17.

The fifth flight, carrying 250 passengers will arrive in Peshawar from Jeddah on June 17.

On June 20, 240 passengers will depart from Riyadh and arrive in Peshawar and the seventh flight will reach Islamabad from Jeddah.

8:15am: 60 shops sealed for violating SOPs, says Lahore DC

Lahore Deputy Commissioner (DC) Danish Afzal said shops that do not comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the government will be sealed and transporters will be fined.

According to a report issued by the district administration, 1,815 shops and public transport were searched.

194 shops were found violating government orders and 60 shops were sealed. In addition, 134 vehicles were stopped for violating SOPs.

The deputy commissioner said teams have been allotted to different areas across the city to ensure implementation of SOPs.

7:40am: NCOC reports drop in number of cases 

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has reported 2,042 new cases, taking the nationwide tally to 148,921.

According to the centre, the number of new cases has dropped since the last two days.

In the last 24 hours, 111 persons succumbed to the virus and the country's death toll has reached 2,839, while at least 56,390 patients have recovered from the contagion.



7:30am: 80 areas in nine zones of Lahore sealed

Lahore Deputy Commissioner (DC) Danish Afzal said 80 areas in nine zones of Lahore will be sealed and monitored.

The deputy commissioner has allotted teams to different zones to take strict action against violators.

Pharmacies and bakeries will remain open in these areas.

The deputy commissioner said the district administration will ensure provision of ration to those affected by the smart lockdown.