Pakistan: Amid doubts over properly tackling COIVD19 menace two deaths reported

Pakhtunkhwa health minister Taimur Khan Jhagra tweeted: "1. A long day and a sad night. We have lost two human lives to a challenge the likes of which I have not seen in my life. And yet we must overcome. Can I request for the every influencer, and everyone in the media, to prevail upon the public to do the right thing?"

The first death was reported from Mardan area in the country.

Both deaths were recorded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region of the country.

Country's Health Minister Zafar Mirza had tweeted: "With deep regret I confirm the death of first Pakistani due to #coronavirus. A 50 yr old male from Mardan recently returned from Umra, developed fever, cough & breathing difficulty and tested +ve for coronavirus. Contacts are being screened. Our condolences to the family."

Currently, 301 people are suffering from the virus.

The deceased were identified as Saadat Khan, 50, and Abdul Fatah, 36. Saadat Khan, who belonged to Mardan, had returned from Saudi Arabia after performing Umra while Abdul Fatah, who hailed from Hangu, had returned from Dubai, reported Dawn News.

Failure  in tackling crisis:

"As per media inputs, Coronavirus situation in Pakistan,  particularly in Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab is of concern. Though media inputs talk of 137 cases, number is much higher as health authorities are holding back exact numbers," said sources.

"Pakistan is facing the problem of insufficient equipment, including masks, test kits, and ventilators. Free kits have been provided to Shakat Khanam Hospital, which is charging Rs 9000 for each test. Beyond the means of ordinary citizens," said the source.

"Doctors have warned that in view of aggravating situation a large number of Lahorites could be affected in coming days as a large number of Shia pilgrims, around 5600, returning from Iran and kept at Taftan, Balochistan for 14 days have spread all over Pakistan because of negligence of authorities to enforce quarantine," said sources.

Owing to Corona threat people from Leepa Valley ( opposite Uri sector) have left for other parts.

Dozens of families migrated from the valley, despite assurances that Army is capable of handling situations. 

Now Punjab government has decided to hand over control of 3 major hospitals of Lahore, but people are not adhering to section 144 and crowds are visible.

Analysts have suggested complete quarantine of Pakistan, including suspension of flight operations at airports, in view of the increase in numbers of infected.

Young doctors and nurses have threatened to stop work in view of the shortage of equipment/facilities and inadequate measures to shield the population.

"If the situation spirals out of control in Pakistan in view of desperation building among people, it could have ramifications for regional security and we could see more  pressure along LoC," said sources.

Meanwhile, Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) "President" Sardar Masood Khan urged India to allow international health organizations and medical experts into J&K to help identify and treat the coronavirus victims, and also help to contain the further spread of the virus.

"This could be played back in context of Leepa valley movement fearing the pandemic and inadequate facilities to handle the situation," said sources.