Pakistan records biggest daily jump in coronavirus deaths

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has recorded it’s single biggest daily jump in deaths from the Coronavirus with 40 fatalities in the past 24 hours.

According to data available with the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Wednesday, the number of coronavirus cases soared by 1,049 over the last 24 hours, taking the tally to 22,550.

The overall death toll jumped to 526.

Presently, there are 8,420 cases in Punjab, 8,189 in Sindh, 3,499 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 1,495 in Balochistan, 386 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 76 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

As many as 6,217 people have recovered so far. 10,178 tests were conducted during the last 24 hours, increasing the total number to 232,582.

Virus breakdown

Punjab 8,420

Sindh 8,189

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 3,499

Balochistan 1,495

Gilgit-Baltistan 386

Islamabad 485

Azad Jammu & Kashmir 76

Deaths 526

Recoveries 6,217

Active cases 15,807

Gender ratio

76.85% male patients

23.15% female patients

Meanwhile, a meeting of the National Coordination Committee (NCC) will be held in Islamabad on Wednesday to decide on relaxation in lockdown, according to Information Minister Shibli Faraz.

All four chief ministers will attend the meeting to deliberate on next strategy.

Shibli Faraz said relaxation in lockdown will still require that people take precautions. He said war against corona pandemic can be won only by staying at homes.

The Minister said the cabinet decided to donate its one month salary to Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for COVID-19.

He said the gesture has been made in view of the prevailing situation and difficulties faced by the people.

The cabinet allowed export of hand sanitizers made in the country to earn foreign exchange.

The Minister said the Prime Minister directed Law Ministry to prepare a report on holding of elections transparently. The Prime Minister desired that the election process should be transparent, unbiased and also enjoy the trust of the masses.

He also asked the minister for law and justice to finalize the reformation process in the criminal justice system within six months.

The Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Interior to take steps to improve the situation of police stations on modern lines.