PML-N MPA Sobia contracts Covid-19

Several lawmakers who had shared a protest camp go into isolation

PESHAWAR:

A provincial assembly lawmaker has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. However, it has prompted several other lawmakers from the provincial legislature, to go into isolation as they remained close to her during a protest camp in the provincial capital.

Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) MPA Sobia Shahid tested positive for the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) on Sunday.

People who had been in contact with her during an anti-government protest outside the Chief Minister House in Peshawar late last week have quarantined themselves as a precaution.

Opposition parties had been protesting outside the Chief Minister’s House from December 9 to December 11 over the government’s failure to release development funds to opposition members. Shahid, like most opposition members, had participated in the road-side protest camp as well.

Among those who have now quarantined themselves include Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) Nighat Orakzai. Though a reserved seat member, Orakzai is among the most active lawmakers in the provincial assembly.

“This precaution is important for us and our families because only through it can we remain safe from the novel coronavirus,” she said, adding that they must also keep others around them safe.

In this regard, Orakzai said that she did not attend a meeting of the PPP women’s wing on Monday.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 15^th, 2020.