2020, the year everything changed: a timeline

A timeline of Covid-19 events in Pakistan

To say that the novel coronavirus has changed the world would be an understatement. Since the virus first appeared in China’s Wuhan city on November 17, 2019, it has been exactly 397 days. The longest 397 days ever.

In a matter of days, the entire world went into complete chaos as clusters of cases emerged all over the world.

In a matter of weeks, pressure on the healthcare sector mounted as hospital wards began overflowing with patients experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus.

In a matter of months, the entire world went into complete lockdown and businesses were forced to shut down.

On January 30, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency.

 

Here is a timeline of Covid-19 in Pakistan:

February 26, 2020: Pakistan reports first two coronavirus cases

Former special assistant to the premier on health Dr Zafar Mirza announced the emergence of the first two coronavirus cases in the country. He said both patients had travelled to Iran in the last two weeks.

March 4, 2020: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) declares a health emergency.

March 7, 2020: Pakistan’s first Covid-19 patient discharged from hospital

Pakistan’s first Covid-19 patient has been discharged from a private hospital in Karachi, after fully recovering from the deadly disease. The young patient had contracted the virus in Iran.

The province’s health authorities confirmed that the patient was in isolation and treatment for 10 days and was tested three times before being discharged.

March 13, 2020: Pakistan reports its first locally transmitted case

Pakistan’s first locally transmitted coronavirus case emerged in Karachi. The 52-year-old man arrived in the metropolis from Islamabad and tested positive for the virus.

March 13, 2020: Pakistan seals country’s western borders, shuts educational institutions

During a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC), Pakistan’s top civil and military leadership decided to seal Pakistan’s western borders with Afghanistan and Iran for two weeks.

The meeting also decided that educational institutions will remain shut till April 5, announced later by Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mehmood.

March 13, 2020: Punjab declares a health emergency

March 18, 2020: Pakistan reports first two Covid-19 related deaths

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Health Minister Taimur Khan Jhagra confirmed the first two coronavirus deaths in Mardan and Peshawar.

The first death was a 50-year-old patient who had arrived from Saudi Arabia. The second patient, a 36-year-old man from Hangu, had arrived in the country from Turkey via Dubai.

March 19, 2020: Pakistan mandates Covid-19 tests for passengers

To control the spread of the virus, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) made it mandatory for international passengers to provide Covid-19 test results at the disembarkation airport in Pakistan.

March 20, 2020: PM orders opening of Afghanistan border

Prime Minister Imran Khan ordered the reopening of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in support of Afghan “brothers and sisters”. He directed authorities to let trucks cross over into Afghanistan.

March 21, 2020: Pakistan suspends international flights

The federal government shut down most international air operations for two weeks to halt the spread of the coronavirus.

March 21, 2020: Punjab announces three-day lockdown

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar announced a three-day lockdown to contain the spread of the virus.

March 21, 2020: Sindh imposes complete lockdown

After a partial lockdown was announced, the Sindh government imposed a complete lockdown.

March 23, 2020: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa announces partial lockdown

In an attempt to contain the spread of the virus, the Khyber-Pakthunkhwa (K-P) government announced a partial lockdown.

March 24, 2020: Passenger train services shut

As coronavirus cases continued to rise in the country, Pakistan Railways announced that passenger train services would be suspended till March 31. Meanwhile, cargo trains continued to function according to their schedule.

March 24, 2020: Balochistan imposes lockdown

March 25, 2020: Chinese billionaire donates medical goods to Pakistan

Chinese billionaire Jack Ma’s Foundation and Alibaba Foundation donated 500,000 surgical masks and 50,000 Covid-19 test kits to help Pakistan tackle the pandemic.

March 26, 2020: Sindh, Balochistan governments bans congregational prayers

The Sindh and Balochistan governments decided to ban congregational prayers at mosques, including Friday congregations, to maintain social distancing.

March 27, 2020: Religious affairs minister says mosques will remain open

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Dr Noorul Haq Qadri said mosques would remain open, but the number of people praying must be limited as a precautionary measure.

April 1, 2020: NCC extends restrictions from April 1 to April 14

The National Coordination Committee (NCC) decided to extend restrictions from April 1 to April 14 as the coronavirus deaths reached 29. The provinces unanimously agreed to extend restrictions.

April 12, 2020: PM calls for global initiative on debt relief

Prime Minister Imran Khan called for global initiative on debt relief to help developing countries such as Pakistan. He asked international powers to consider writing off loans to ensure resource allocation to help fight the virus.

April 13, 2020: Government decides to extend border closure

The Ministry of Interior decides that the country’s borders will remain closed for an additional two weeks.

April 14, 2020: PM extends lockdown for two more weeks

The prime minister extended the lockdown for an additional two weeks.

After a 98 per cent consensus among all provinces, the premier announced that the construction industry, among other sectors, will reopen in phases.

April 19, 2020: Govt, Ulema agree on SOPs for Ramazan

With Ramazan approaching, President Dr Arif Alvi said worshippers may attend congregational prayers at mosques, while ensuring social distancing.

During a meeting with religious scholars at the President House, a 20-point standard operating procedure (SOPs) was agreed upon to prevent the spread of the virus during the holy month. The SOPs included that prayers will be offered in open courtyards and people over the age of 50 would not be allowed to attend.

April 24, 2020: Chinese doctors bring more medical supplies to Pakistan

A team of Chinese doctors arrived in Pakistan with more medical supplies and equipment to assist Pakistan’s fight against Covid-19.

The team consists of doctors who have expertise in treating infectious diseases.

May 9, 2020: NCC decides to end lockdown in phases

The National Coordination Committee (NCC) decided to end the one and a half month lockdown in phases. In the first phase, small markets will reopen, businesses can operate from Sehri till 5pm and selected outdoor patient departments (OPDs) at hospitals will become functional. However, shopping malls and places with large gatherings were not permitted to open.

The premier said this decision was a result of the hardships faced by small business owners, daily-wage earners and laborers who were struggling to make ends meet.

May 18, 2020: SC orders reopening of shopping malls

Days after the premier announced to end the lockdown in phases, the apex court ordered the federal and provincial governments to allow shopping malls to reopen on Saturdays and Sundays.

June 10, 2020: ADB approves $500 million emergency loan for Pakistan

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $500 million emergency loan for Pakistan to help the country deliver social protection programs to the poor and expand health sector capabilities as the country fights the pandemic.

June 11, 2020: Shehbaz Sharif contracts Covid-19

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif tested positive for Covid-19 and quarantined himself at his residence in Model Town, Lahore.

June 12, 2020: Govt announces special package for healthcare workers

The federal government announced a seven-point package for healthcare workers to recognise their efforts and sacrifices in their fight against Covid-19.

The package included tax concession for all healthcare workers, security of hospitals to be made foolproof, provision of loans on easy terms by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) among other things.

June 12, 2020: DRAP approves first made-in-Pakistan testing kit for Covid-19

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has approved the first indigenously made testing kit for the virus.

It was developed by the scientists at National University of Science and Technology (NUST) and Attaur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB).

June 13, 2020: Yusuf Raza Gilani down with Covid-19

Former prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

June 16, 2020: Pakistani children develop world’s first game to fight Covid-19

Two self-taught Pakistani children developed the world’s first multi-platform game to help fight Covid-19 by busting myths and apply behavioral changes to embrace the "new normal" in an experiential learning simulation game.

The game involves the players to learn more and be motivated to share their acquired knowledge with their friends and family.

June 22, 2020: Pakistan partially resumes international flights

Pakistan partially allowed international flights to resume to repatriate stranded Pakistani citizens, more than three months after they were suspended.

The country had closed its airspace for international flights and then extended the suspension several times. However, the government has now reopened 25 per cent of the country’s airspace.

July 3, 2020: US hands over first 100 ventilators to Pakistan

The US Agency of International Development (USAID) handed over the first tranche of 100 Vyaire LTV 1200 ventilators to help Pakistan overcome the pandemic.

The ventilators were valued at about $3 million and reflect the ‘latest in cutting-edge medical design and technology’.

July 12, 2020: Government issues SOPs ahead of Eidul Azha

The Ministry of National Health Services issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) to contain the spread of virus ahead of Eidul Azha.

The ministry issued a list of guidelines related to social distancing, preventative measures during slaughtering of animals and Eid prayers.

July 15, 2020: International airlines mandate Covid-19 test for Pakistani travelers

International airlines have made coronavirus tests mandatory for passengers flying from Pakistan.

The travelers are required to take the test no earlier than 96 hours before boarding the flight.

July 16, 2020: Sindh extends lockdown by another month

The Sindh government extended current lockdown measures in place by another month.

This move follows discussions held at the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) and the last meeting of the National Coordination Committee (NCC).

July 20, 2020: China donates 20,000 masks to Karachi

Once again, China donated as many as 20,000 surgical masks to the Karachi commissioner to help in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

July 21, 2020: Darul Sukoon in-charge Sister Ruth Lewis succumbs to Covid-19

Darul Sukoon in-charge Sister Ruth Lewis passed away from the virus at the Aga Khan University Hospital.

Sister Ruth had been diagnosed with Covid-19 on July 8 and was admitted to the hospital on July 9.

August 8, 2020: Operation to repatriate stranded Pakistanis completed

An operation to repatriate Pakistanis stranded abroad due to travel restrictions has been completed.

Over 304,000 Pakistanis were repatriated from more than 500 domestic and international flights under a special flight operation from 64 countries worldwide.

August 10, 2020: Sindh reopens businesses

Provincial authorities and health experts decided to reopen businesses in the provinces. Meanwhile, the decision to reopen educational institutions, madrassas, marriage halls and shrines has not been made yet.

August 11, 2020: Govt shifts towards ‘micro smart lockdown’ strategy

The federal government decided to shift towards a ‘micro smart lockdown’ strategy. Under this strategy, small localities would be targeted instead of big areas.

August 17, 2020: Qalandar shrine reopens

The shrine of famed Sufi saint Lal Shahbaz Qalandar has reopened for the public in Sehwan Sharif, under standard operating procedures.

Jamshoro Deputy Commissioner (DC) Capt (retd) Fareeduddin Mustafa said only 50 people are allowed to enter at one time and no one will be allowed to enter without face masks.

In addition, he said it would be closed twice a day for an hour for spraying disinfectant.

September 10, 2020: WHO recognises Pakistan’s fight against Covid-19

The World Health Organization (WHO) lists Pakistan among seven countries that it says the world can learn from to fight future pandemics.

September 13, 2020: Hamza Shehbaz tests positive for virus in Kot Lakhpat Jail

Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Hamza Shehbaz tested positive for Covid-19 in Kot Lakhpat Jail.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb demanded his immediate transfer to the hospital for treatment. She said he was suffering from high fever since day one.

September 15, 2020: Educational institutions reopen after a six-month-long break

After a six-month-long break due to the emergence of the virus, educational institutions across the country reopened.

The institutions will be reopened in phases, starting from class IX to XII and above in the first phase. Secondary schools will reopen in the second phase and primary schools in the third phase.

September 17, 2020: K-P allows marriage halls, marquees to reopen

The provincial government allowed marriage halls and marquees in the province to reopen. In a statement issued by the K-P Home and Tribal Affairs Department secretary, it said wedding halls and marquees can resume their businesses, provided they adhere to government guidelines.

The statement said wedding halls will operate at 50 per cent of their capacity and seating arrangements should be made, ensuring maximum social distancing between guests.

September 17, 2020: 22 educational institutions closed across country

At least 22 educational institutions have been shuttered in 24 hours due to non-compliance of standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Sixteen institutions were closed in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), one in Islamabad and five in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

September 18, 2020: 13 more educational institutions closed across country

The NCOC said at least 13 educational institutions across Pakistan have been closed in the last 24 hours due to non-compliance of health guidelines.

September 22, 2020: NCOC announces launch of phase III clinical trials for Covid-19 vaccine

The NCOC announced that phase III clinical trials for the Covid-19 vaccine will be launched in Pakistan. The trial is a partnership between the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the CanSinoBio and Beijing Institute of Biotechnology China [BIB].

The trial will begin at Karachi’s Indus Hospital and a total of 40,000 people will participate in this trial from seven different countries.

September 23, 2020: Govt reopens middle schools

The federal government decided to reopen middle schools across the country, barring Sindh, following a fall in the number of coronavirus cases.

The Sindh government decided to delay reopening for a week to take a final decision.

September 30, 2020: NCOC reopens primary schools

The National Command and Operation Centre decided to reopen primary schools across the country.

Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mehmood said only 1 per cent of the infection rate has been witnessed in educational institutions.

He warned that action will be taken against schools that fail to comply with standard operating procedures (SOPs).

October 1, 2020: Govt mandates Covid-19 test for foreign visitors

The federal government issued standard operating procedures for international travelers entering the country, including a mandatory test for the virus.

The test must be taken within 96 hours of the travel date.

October 2, 2020: Kartarpur Corridor reopens after improvement in Covid-19 situation

The federal government announced the reopening of the Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for the Sikh pilgrims worldwide, including Indians after Covid-19 improved in the country.

Sikh pilgrims from India were permitted to visit the Gurdwara from dawn to dusk. However, they must follow precautionary measures to contain the spread of the virus.

In addition, the notification stated that local visitors were also allowed to visit following Covid-19 standard operating procedures issued by the federal government.

October 2, 2020: At least 103 restaurants, six marriage halls shuttered in Karachi

At least 103 restaurants and six marriage halls in Karachi were shut down due to non-compliance of government protocols.

October 5, 2020: Pakistan tops in Asia over social protection amid Covid-19

The International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth (IPC-IG) acknowledged Pakistan as one of the top-ranked countries in Asia with the highest responses to social protection amid the coronavirus outbreak.

October 9, 2020: NCOC says wedding functions to last only two hours

The National Command and Operation Centre announced that wedding functions can only last two hours, and are to end by 10pm.

The centre limited the number of people at indoor events to 300 and outdoor to 500.

Wedding halls that do not follow proper precautionary measures will be sealed and fined, a notification by the NCOC said.

October 27, 2020: Pakistan confirms second wave of Covid-19

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan announced that fears of the second wave of coronavirus starting in the country have come true.

October 28, 2020: NCOC mandates face masks in public places

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has made it mandatory to wear face masks in public places including bazaars, shopping malls and at restaurants.

October 29, 2020: AKU enrolls candidates for preventative Covid-19 study

Aga Khan University (AKU) begins enrolment of candidates for preventative Covid-19 study, led by the University of Oxford.

The study will test whether hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine can prevent Covid-19 among healthcare workers.

A statement, issued by the local varsity, said the study ‘COPCOV’ is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Half the participants will receive hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine and half will receive a placebo.

November 3, 2020: Pakistan, ADB signs $2m grant agreement to tackle Covid-19

Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $2 million grant agreement to strengthen the country’s efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

The grant will help provide life-saving medical supplies, diagnostic and laboratory facilities and other critical equipment for communities affected by the pandemic.

November 9, 2020: PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira contracts virus

Senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Qamar Zaman Kaira tested positive for the novel coronavirus while he was on the campaign trail for the upcoming polls in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B).

Kaira complained of a sore throat and a cold. He was tested for Covid-19 as a precautionary measure. According to family sources, he has quarantined for 15 days in Islamabad.

November 10, 2020: AKU develops 3D printed, low-cost nasal swabs

Pakistan is all set to produce nasal swabs locally, the Aga Khan University (AKU) said, after it developed 3D printed, low-cost nasal swabs for testing in the country.

November 12, 2020: PHC Chief Justice Waqar Ahmed dies of coronavirus

Peshawar High Court Chief Justice Waqar Ahmed Seth succumbed to the novel coronavirus, after fighting the battle for 15 days.

He was first admitted to a hospital in Peshawar but later shifted to Kulsum International Hospital in Islamabad where he died due to coronavirus related complications.

November 12, 2020: First robot-operated Covid testing lab opens in Islamabad

Future Trust, in partnership with Opencell UK, has launched a highly advanced robotic mobile laboratory for rapid Covid-19 testing, in Islamabad.

The state-of-art lab is specified to meet the requirements for high throughput Covid-19 RT-qPCR testing and only requires six staff members in all shifts to operate the machine.

It uses five liquid handling robots and can process up to 2,000 tests each day.

November 16, 2020: Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah tests positive for Covid-19

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah tested positive for coronavirus.

The chief minister said he had a slight fever and decided to get tested after Friday prayers.

November 18, 2020: Punjab imposes smart lockdown in Covid-19 hotspots

The Punjab government imposed smart lockdowns in several areas of six cities across the province.

A statement, issued by the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department said that smart lockdowns are being imposed in Covid-19 hotspots, restricting the movement of all residents in the affected areas.

November 19, 2020: AJK announces two-week lockdown

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) announced the return of lockdown in the region from next week, closing schools, wedding halls and salons.

The provincial government announced the lockdown for two weeks.

November 23, 2020: Educational institutions closed until January 10

The Inter-Provincial Education Ministers Conference (IPEMC) decided to close all educational institutions for a month.

The IPEMC allowed schools to call students for a day or two during the week, said the final decision in this regard will be at the discretion of the provincial governments.

Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mehmood said he is hopeful that educational institutions will reopen on January 11, 2021.

November 24, 2020: Sindh mandates face masks in public places

Sindh mandates the use of face masks in public places and banned indoor wedding ceremonies amid the second wave of Covid-19.

A notification, issued by the Sindh home department, said that failure to wear face masks will result in a penalty.

The order also banned wedding ceremonies in closed places, adding that only 200 people will be allowed to attend open-air events and food would be distributed among guests in packed boxes.

November 25, 2020: Former railways minister Jadam Mangrio succumbs to Covid-19

Former state minister for railways Jadam Mangrio passed away in Karachi, several days after contracting Covid-19.

The former railways minister was placed on a ventilator at a private hospital in Karachi, due to complications caused by the virus.

November 26, 2020: Thousands of Pakistanis join trials for China-made vaccine

Thousands of volunteers reached hospitals across the country to join the final-stage clinical trials of the Chinese-made Covid-19 vaccine.

November 26, 2020: Bilawal tests positive for Covid-19

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto tested positive for the coronavirus.

He revealed on Twitter that he quarantined himself amid mild symptoms of Covid-19. He advised the public to adopt precautionary measures against the deadly disease.

November 27, 2020: Commercial plazas sealed as new cases emerge in Hazara

The district administration and health authorities in the Hazara division sealed several commercial plazas, hotels and schools as new cases emerged in the division.

In an attempt to prevent the virus from spreading, the district administration and health departments sealed 85 educational institutions, three commercial buildings and six hotels across the division.

November 29, 2020: NCOC identifies top five cities contributing most to Covid-19 spread

The National Command and Operation Centre identified Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar and Karachi among the five major cities contributing about 70 per cent to the spread of the virus in the country.

The forum also noted that Karachi, Hyderabad, Peshawar and Rawalpindi were among the top cities with a persistently rising positivity ratio.

November 29, 2020: K-P govt books local PDM leaders for Peshawar rally amid Covid-19

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government decided to book local Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) leaders for holding the Peshawar rally, despite Peshawar administration’s refusal to grant them permission amid the second wave of Covid-19.

The provincial government had earlier warned the leaders that they may lodge cases against them if there was a spike in coronavirus cases after the rally.

December 1, 2020: Govt approves $150m allocation to procure vaccine

The federal cabinet approved the allocation of $150 million to procure Covid-19 vaccine.

The government also announced a reduction in the cost of the 100mg injection from Rs9,244 to Rs5,680.

December 1, 2020: Pakistan frames national policy to initiate Rapid Antigen Testing: NCOC

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) was informed that Pakistan has framed a national policy to initiate Rapid Antigen Testing to detect the virus swiftly.

This was done on the recommendation of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

December 3, 2020: Hyderabad’s wedding halls get extension for night time events

Hyderabad’s wedding halls were given an 11-day extension to organize night-time events until 10pm.

December 3, 2020: Prince Charles reiterates support to Pakistan

Britain’s Prince Charles telephoned Prime Minister Imran Khan and reiterated the United Kingdom’s support to Pakistan to tackle the coronavirus.

Prince Charles expressed sorrow over Covid-19 fatalities in the country.

December 4, 2020: Mosques to remain open, says PM Imran

Prime Minister Imran Khan met with Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Noorul Haq Qadri and decided that mosques will remain open. However, it was decided that there would be a strict emphasis on the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) at places of worship.

December 7, 2020: Pakistan in talks with Russia, China for Covid-19 vaccine

Pakistan’s health authorities negotiated with China and Russia to procure the coronavirus vaccine as early as January, 2021.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan said the vaccine would be available in the country between January and March, 2021, and would be given on a priority basis to healthcare workers and senior citizens.

December 13, 2020: Pakistani doctor introduces instant Covid-19 diagnostic test

A Toronto-based Pakistani doctor introduced an instant Covid-19 diagnostic test via a smartphone.

His innovation is based on a digital platform that displays the result instantly on any smartphone and can communicate and store results along with time and GPS information.

December 13, 2020: Sindh government announces new timings for restaurants

The Sindh government issued new timings for restaurants to contain the spread of the virus in the province.

Outdoor dining at restaurants is allowed till 10pm. Meanwhile, hotels and restaurants will remain open till 1am for delivery, the notification said.

December 13, 2020: Maulana Tariq Jameel down with Covid-19

Maulana Tariq Jameel has contracted the novel coronavirus and been admitted to the hospital.

He revealed on Twitter that he was feeling sick for several days and then tested positive for the virus.

December 15, 2020: Pakistan may introduce C-IVIG therapy for severe Covid-19 patients

Pakistan may introduce the intravenous immunoglobulin (C-IVIG) therapy at a mass level as ‘severe’ patients under treatment for coronavirus, have 100 per cent recovery rate.

Scientists at the Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) in Karachi, who are conducting clinical trials of the C-IVIG therapy for the treatment coronavirus, have said that the trials were very encouraging and remarkable.

December 16, 2020: Pakistan reports highest Covid-19 deaths in second wave

Pakistan reported 105 Covid-19 related deaths, the highest it has seen since June.

According to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), the most deaths were reported in Sindh, followed by Punjab.

December 17, 2020: PEIRA allows schools that lack online facilities to call students once a week

The Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA) has allowed educational institutes - that lack online facilities to call students - once a week for assigning school work.

A notification issued by PEIRA directed educational institutes to ensure the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).

December 19, 2020: Asad Umar tests positive for Covid-19

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

"Just got my covid test result and it is positive. Will be isolating at home," he wrote on Twitter.

December 21, 2020: Pakistan bans Britons’ entry over new Covid strain

Taking cue from the European Union (EU) and several other countries, Pakistan banned the entry of passengers from the United Kingdom into Pakistan in view of the fears over a highly infectious new coronavirus strain in Britain.

A slew of countries closed their borders to Britain on Monday, suspending travel for Britons, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned that a mutated variant of the virus, up to 70% more transmissible, had been identified in the country.

December 25, 2020: ‘New coronavirus variant not detected in Pakistan yet’

The Ministry of National Health Services clarified that the new variant of coronavirus surfaced in the United Kingdom was yet to be detected in Pakistan.

"Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination remains vigilant about the emergence of new variant of SARS CoV-2 detected in the UK," a press release said.

The ministry said that the situation in Pakistan was being closely monitored as all the passengers arriving from UK were screened.

December 26, 20202: Free coronavirus vaccine for most population, promises Fawad Chaudhry

Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry has said that the government will try its best to cover a big chunk of population with a free-of-cost coronavirus vaccine.

He said efforts would be made to provide the vaccine either free of cost or at a minimum price to maximum number of people, adding that the vaccine would be administered to front-line workers and senior citizens on priority basis.

December 28, 2020: PIA resumes flight operations from Saudi Arabia to bring back Pakistanis

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is resuming its flight operations from Saudi Arabia, to bring back Pakistanis willing to leave the kingdom.

This was announced by a PIA spokesperson in Karachi.