Speaking to Raza Bashir Tarar, High Commissioner for Pakistan to Canadian relations, the doctor shared that the new app would instantly show results on any smartphone and can also communicate and/or store results along with their GPS location and time.

"Together with vaccines, we can control the Covid-19 outbreak and return our lives and economies to normal."

Dr. Khalid introduced this 'low-cost' initiative to help contain the outbreak of COVID-19 and make the test-taking experience a more trouble free and affordable one for people to easily take without any clinical involvement.

Mr. Tarar stated that after trials were conducted to test the digital application's efficiency in being able to perform its role, it would then be available to download from the app store.

We hope to see such inventions make it hassle free to combat and deal with the spread of dangerous diseases such as the ongoing coronavirus and dengue as well, with the global pandemic making a more vicious impact with its second wave.

"I have tested positive for Covid-19. I’m isolating and have informed all those who were in close contact with me over the last few days. It’s been rough but it will be ok soon, InshaAllah. Please please wear a mask and follow all other sops- for your sake and others,"

Amid the celebrities who tested positive for COVID-19, there was Saheefa Jabbar Khattak, who along with her husband shared a public message about isolating and her self-quarantine due to the virus. Then there were Sabaat actors Ameer Gillani and Usman Mukhtar who both shared the news on their respective social media platforms regarding their ordeal with the novel coronavirus and since recovered with prayers and well wishes.

Additionally, model Farwa Ali Kazmi also disclosed that she had tested positive for the virus days after walking the ramp at Hussain Rehar's solo fashion show, as well as musician Jawad Ahmed who also stated that he was isolating at home. Among the latest celebrities to have had the virus include Nida Yasir, Yasir Nawaz, Alyzeh Gabol, Abrar-ul-Haq, Vasay Chaudhry and Neelam Munir, to name a few, with most recovering after defeating the virus.

After a difficult ordeal in the hospital, Behroze Sabzwari has also recovered and returned home. However, Raees actress announced the news today, and has urged her fans to wear a mask in her recent post, acknowledging the risk factor and informing her audience that she was currently in isolation.

Following the second wave, the government and public figures alike are spreading awareness about following SOPs and safety measures to avoid the consequences of more casualties.

Over the last week, Pakistan detailed 2,665 new cases (and growing), which denoted the most elevated single-day increment, and 59 fatalities, Dawn news announced. With the expansion of the new cases and fatalities, the general disease count and loss of life have flooded to 374,173 and 7,696, individually.

Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Khan said the opposition’s Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) would be responsible for the consequences if it continued with public gatherings despite a surge in Covid-19 cases. “In (Pakistan), the PDM by continuing with Jalsas (public gatherings) is deliberately endangering lives and livelihoods (because) if cases continue to rise at the rate we are seeing, we will be compelled to go into complete lockdown & PDM will be responsible for consequences,” Mr Khan said in his tweet.

"Opposition is callously destroying people's lives and livelihoods in their desperation to get an NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance). Let me make it clear: they can hold a million jalsas but will not get any NRO. "I do not want to take measures like a lockdown that will start hurting our economy which at the moment is showing signs of a robust recovery. Unfortunately, the opposition's only goal is NRO at whatever cost to the lives of people and the country's economy."

In another tweet, Khan likewise said that there was a 200 percent expansion in the quantity of patients on ventilators in Peshawar and Multan during the last 15 days. He said the information was very disturbing as there was a 200 percent expansion in the quantity of patients on ventilators in Peshawar and Multan during the most recent 15 days. It was 148 percent in Karachi, 114pc in Lahore and 65pc in Islamabad.

70% ventilators were being used in Multan and Islamabad, he added. About PDM's public gatherings, Mr Khan said the resistance was unfeelingly devastating individuals' lives and occupations in their urgency to get alleviation in arguments against their chiefs.

“Let me make it clear: they can hold a million Jalsas but will not get any National Reconciliation Ordinance-like concession,” he said, adding that unfortunately the opposition’s only goal was to get an NRO at the cost of people’s lives and the country’s economy.

Khan's declaration came after the PDM arranged its fourth force show in Peshawar on Sunday regardless of a restriction on open get-togethers and furthermore without consent from the city organization.

Peshawar dismissed PDM: Minister for Information Senator Shibli Faraz on Sunday said by putting lives at risk when the country was seeing a spike in cases was ‘political cruelty’ and ‘oppression’.

Senator Faraz said people of Peshawar had rejected PDM’s public meeting by not attending it. In a tweet, the minister said: “Mentality of selfish political coterie was exposed as it was playing with lives of innocent people and workers for minor political advantage. The criminals who maligned the national institutions and destroyed the national economy now went after lives and employment of people.”

Because of their [opposition] flippant conduct, individuals' occupations were getting influenced, he said. "Individuals would consider them responsible for 'Covid of defilement' as organizing public gatherings regardless of the court orders was infringement of law," he added.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan said individuals of the region had indeed demonstrated that they remained with PM Khan, blaming the PDM administration for dismissing public security for political addition.

The CM said Peshawar was and would stay a fortress of the decision Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaf.

Likewise, Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar said the resistance should abstain from playing with the lives of the individuals by holding rallies. "The public authority isn't holding rallies and huge get-togethers in light of the pandemic," he added.

He lamented that it had become a standard for the resistance to offer need to political and individual interests.

Exceptional Assistant to CM on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan said Covid-19 was a reality and the whole world was playing it safe. She said the resistance was doing governmental issues just for face sparing notwithstanding the way that the subsequent wave was more deadly. "Your life is a higher priority than legislative issues. On the off chance that life keeps going, so will legislative issues," she stated, adding that it was unrealistic to authorize SOPs in open social events. "In the event that individuals' lives are in question, the public authority will make an exacting legitimate move," she added.

NCOC information

As indicated by the National Command and Operation Center, 2,665 new cases and 59 passing were accounted for from the nation over during the previous 24 hours.

With the expansion of new cases, the count of affirmed cases flooded to 374,173. As of now, 1,653 Covid-19 patients were in basic condition, while so far 329,828 have completely recuperated.

Irresponsible behavior is high threats for the second wave of the virus to hit us again as SOPs is already being violated at so many places and they are being sealed. For the country to be safe and sound people need to become responsible enough and to take precautionary measures to control the second wave from hitting us and from playing with livelihoods and people dying due to the disease will be another chaos for the country as another lockdown is not a beneficial option looking at the downfall of the economy as well and the inflation rate increasing with so many people unemployed and starving.

The loss of lives and economy will eventually take the country down the drains which will become a more hectic situation to handle. Pakistan already being an under developed country and drowning in so many debts as mentioned before by them Prime Minister cannot afford another lockdown but if the situation remains the same these strict measures will have to be taken then.

With an alleged 'cold wave' about to hit Karachi, the debate of school closure in the winter season has been a rife topic of discussion. In Balochistan schools have been shut already, whilst in Punjab and Sindh the decision is still one that is pending. According to SAMAA Digital primary schools are to be shut from November 24th, middle schools the 2nd of December and higher secondary educational institutes will be closed from December 15th until the 31st of Jan, the Ministry of Education proposed in its letter to the provinces.

On Tuesday, November 17th, a group of vigilante hackers struck, targeting the Sindh Investment Board official website, leaving a warning message directed to the Government, 'Student Lives are no joke! Shut the Schools down now. Students are the real assets of a country, don't destroy your assets.'

The 'Anonymous' group hacked the website after Minister Saeed Ghani had initially said that schools are to remain open due to the revenue and cost of the original lockdown, but now a conference will be held on the 23rd of November and the National Command and Operation centre for a final verdict regarding the status of school closure amid the second wave.

What do you think of this action taken by the vigilante hacker group hoping to keep students safe from the Covid-19 scare? Let us know in the comments!

With everything opening up and the fear of COVID 19 subsiding, people have often forgotten that the pandemic is not over. The current rains have also presented a substantial scare, wreaking havoc and causing devastation in their wake, which has increased the fear of infections spreading due to circumstances.

However, Pakistan's tactics against the global pandemic have seemed to bear fruit, with the lowest daily number of cases being recorded in the past 4 months, which numbers at approximately 213 on the 30th of August after 18,017, amounting to 153 deaths across the country.

“At the end of the day I keep reminding people that this is like smouldering embers and the embers are there. You provide them with fuel and with a little bit of oxygen, they will flare up,”

Faisal Sutlan, the Prime Minister's appointed advisor on coronavirus attests that the low numbers in COVID 19 cases is a promising sign for Pakistan.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) acknowledged that despite no country having any experience of tackling the situation, Pakistan managed to adapt efficiently, following all the guidelines, protocol and eagerly partook in following the advice given by the health organisation.

An official spoke to Express and disclosed how Pakistan was able to follow through with attentive behaviour regarding the situation, taking immediate action to prevent the virus from spreading even faster.

"The health ministry immediately started following WHO protocols and adopted a risk communication strategy that entailed disseminating Covid-19 awareness messages via radio, television, newspapers and even phone call tones."

Pakistan's response to the stressful situation bore fruit; by setting up initiatives such as technical guides, helplines, constant tips, and awareness, the country was able to 'flatten the curve'. The National Institution of Health attested to Pakistan's successful attempts at controlling the dire circumstances which were to come if relevant action was not taken.

Officials have given a conclusive statement regarding where the nation stands on dealing with COVID 19, commending the Government's timely and comprehensive response, which has led to coronavirus seeing a steady decline in the country.

President Arif Alvi has already advised we practice good hygiene and follow safety protocols as well to avoid adding to the maligned pandemic. Provincial Minister Haji Noor Mohammad Khan Dummar has encouraged masses to celebrate Eid with simplicity, mostly staying at home. Being careful with the sacrificial Eid tradition is of the utmost importance as well, many areas have restricted 'kurbani' to various plots.

If one wishes to celebrate with their families and loved ones, small gatherings are wise as they limit the number of people in closed spaces. With the 'kurbani' ritual in Karachi, the Sindh Government has appointed 'Collective Points', the National Command and Operation Centre has discouraged animal sacrifice on the roads and streets, suggested pre-designated places instead. A notice has been issued as well informing people about said allocated sacrificial sites.

Eid UL Adha can be just as festive and meaningful with our loved ones and family members, who we can safeguard by practicing SOPs and reinforcing selfless prevention of any COVID-19 threat. The concept of Eid is a very significant one which we will enjoy this year in smaller and in close company!

Sure, we can still dress up and get our Eid pictures while still maintaining social distancing.

After previously posting on her social media platforms to send love and prayers, the Ramz-e-Ishq actor clarified how she was getting her COVID 19 test yesterday. Later today, ZQ updated fans by sharing the good news with a lovely picture of flowers in the sunlight!

'I tested negative for COVID!'

The actor announced on her Instagram and Twitter platform, thanking everyone for their duas and prayers.

We are delighted that the actor tested negative for COVID as the disease has managed to infiltrate its way into the industry as well as governing bodies where we've previously seen leaders recovering from the pandemic.

In addition to the news of the 2020 ICC World Cup being postponed, the next three bilateral men's events will be rescheduled as well. After a meeting held yesterday by the IBC Board the next three windows for the Men's ICC World Cups were discussed, to ensure the sport's best opportunity to recover from the mess the pandemic has left behind.

The IBC Board agreed to continue monitoring the rapidly changing situation which will be appropriate for future grounds regarding the 2021 and 2022 World Cups.

“At today’s meeting of the IBC Board (the commercial subsidiary of the ICC), windows for the next three ICC men’s events were also agreed to bring clarity to the calendar and give the sport the best possible opportunity over the next three years to recover from the disruption caused by Covid-19,” ICC statement.

The postponed windows of the events have in turn granted a longer time frame to extend the qualification process and to decide how to go about rescheduling games to resolve the damage of COVID 9 on sports events.

Additionally, the Women's World Cup which is scheduled for February 6th to March 7th 2021 in New Zealand might be dealing with the same deference due to the unfortunate situation. New Zealand Cricket Chairman, Greg Barclay, disclosed in the wake of the Men's T20 tournament being postponed, the Women's World Cup time frame will be decided within the next two weeks.

"It simply has to be because if there is a need to postpone that event then obviously we need to know that sooner rather than later and likewise if it is to go ahead then we need to make a final decision so that we can throw all the resources necessary to run a first-class world event in February."

However, fans have taken the news with a grain of salt, projecting their thoughts and reactions about the ICC's decision on Twitter.

"I have tested Covid positive, shifted to hospital, hospital informing authorities, family and staff undergone tests, results awaited,"

His son Abhishek has also tested positive and both of them have been taken to Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai, after both showing mild symptoms of the virus. It has been reported that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and their daughter, Aradhya, have tested positive and are in self-isolation at home, while Jaya Bachchan has tested negative.

Other members of the fraternity have shown their support after hearing the new, including actor Sonam K Ahuja, Akshay Kumar, Preity Zinta, Shoaib Akthar and former India cricket player Irfan Pathan.

Amitabh Bachchan has starred in over 200 movies and in recent months has been prominent in helping the government get its message across in the fight against coronavirus. India has seen a significant rise in the number of coronavirus cases, with the total climbing to nearly 821,000 - the third highest caseload in the world. There have been complaints about a lack of both testing and front-line medical staff thus far.

We wish the father son duo a speedy recovery ahead!

A similar decision would be faced by parents of young and little children, if need be, whether to take them to the hospitals or not if there is any concern. The decision to deliver the baby at home and not admit the child in a hospital could also stem from the fact that most hospitals would be over-crowded and refuse all patients other than coronavirus patients.

The Washington Post reports that another COVID-19 wave would generate damage which would create a global increase in the child mortality rate. According to Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers, 253,500 to 1.2 million children under the age of 5 years could die in the next 6 months. The maternal death toll could rise from 8% to 38%. 

Researchers stated the reason for this increase to be the upending access to the essential services related to childbirth, immunizations, and essential treatment for childhood pneumonia, diarrhea, and other common diseases.

Measuring the indirect effects of COVID 19 on maternal and child mortality would be experienced more in 118 low- and middle-income countries as the situation intensifies.

With Eid Holidays approaching and the decision to open shops and eventually malls, people are taking their families on "eid shopping sprees" in crowded market areas which have been reported by others who observe the erratic overcrowding with the situation growing worse.

The death rate in Pakistan has reached 46 per day, roughly over 1,000 reported deaths and more than 50,000 cases since May, yet the rush does not come to a halt or follow the SOP's (Standard Operating Procedure).

Due to the adverse effect on the economy and terrible financial impact, Prime Minister Imran Khan has defended the lifting of the lockdown as he had earlier claimed that our economy was not equipped to handle an indefinite suspension, as millions of underprivileged families were already suffering a horrendous ordeal and hardship coping with the failing economy. With the opening up of certain businesses, the service industry and retail stores, the main sector which continues to remain closed is the Education Sector.

Despite a disregard for special safety precautions in the nation, the growth of cases has remained steady, doubling every 10 days or so but healthcare experts and doctors are fearful that Pakistan's healthcare system will not be able to withstand an increase in the number of cases should the virus spread.

Punjab Health Minister, Yasmin Rashid has attested that despite the relaxation of lockdown, this does not guarantee Covid 19's elimination. The country is yet to see the loss of more lives as the country's economic situation has been reported to get worse as the current pandemic intensifies its grip on the predicament.

Since the initiation of the Corona pandemic in Pakistan, Zafar is seen not just actively involved in raising awareness through his social media but also distributing “Rashan” food packages to the daily wagers through his foundation. To join his cause, many mainstream stars have now raised their voice in a recent video posted on his social media platform.

Humayun Saeed, Saba Qamar, Maya Ali, Marina Khan, Hania Aamir, Minal Khan, Mawra Hocane, Bilal Maqsood, Adnan Siddiqui, Ushna Shah, Aiman Muneeb, Iqrar-ul-Hassan, Maria Wasti, Ahsan Khan & and Fahad Mustafa are among the esteemed celebrities who have united together, appealing to the people to help the Ali Zafar Foundation complete its mission of providing food to thousands of families of daily wagers, right at their doorstep.

In a recent post Zafar also announced that he will be focusing his distribution towards the minorities and transgender communities. He also posted a live video call with his team on location during distributing in a Christian community.

You can join his cause by donating below.

For Donations:

https://www.alizafarfoundation.org/donate/

The cases of infected corona patients are increasing every day taking the count to over 32,000. Many celebrities have raised their voice to create awareness about the battle against Coronavirus; however, Shahid Afirdi and Ali Zafar take the lead by going all out in their Rashan Distribution campaign!

Ali Zafar had also posted a video a few days ago of a member of the transgender community, “Julie” highlighting the plight of their community and why this must be shed light on.

“We must make an inclusive society where everyone feels equally empowered and a part of the society, like a petal in a flower. Only then we can get rid of the thorns.”

The acclaimed singer and actor has stated, whose foundation has so far distributed Rashan amongst almost 3500 families so far and will continue to do so.

Delegated at the Torkham Border, Maj. Muhammad was supervising convoys and taking extra precautions with dedicated precision, screening individuals going to and from the neighboring country of Afghanistan. He was evacuated to an army based hospital after complaints of having difficulty breathing and was put on a ventilator.

"There is no cause bigger than serving a nation,” stated by the Pakistan Army."

Inter Services Public Relations Director General Major General Babar Iftikhar stated that “Major Muhammad Asghar laid his life in the line of duty at Torkham border in fight against COVID-19." The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mahmood Khan paid his respects to the brave officer, "We are proud of Major Muhammad Asghar Shaheed. He was a brave & a committed son of the soil."

Meanwhile, Pakistan is struggling to keep the deadly Covid-19 pandemic under control as cases confirmed move up to 32,081 with the death toll nearing 659; and bound to increase as lockdown has eased and many citizens begin to transition back to their old routines.

"In the first phase of eased lockdown, businesses attributed to the grey structure of construction work had been permitted to resume operations. In the second phase, other businesses related to construction have been allowed to resume work."

The Minister also stated that National Coordination Committee had decided that shopping malls, departmental stores and large markets will continue to remain closed. The list will comprise of a detailed choosing of businesses identified as big or small, to be forwarded to the Centre; the Centre in turn will give their green-light before sending their input to the Sindh Government.

After analyzing the list sent, the Government will approve and release the names of the businesses which will be allowed to operate from Monday onwards. It will take a few days to finalise, according to Minister Saeed Ghani; however the Government has refuted rumours of the lockdown being over, it is simply entering the second phase of eased lockdown.

"He was dying due to shortness of breath after testing positive for the novel coronavirus but no hospital admitted him,"

The wife of the late cardiologist disclosed to The News on Sunday, "He was taken to the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation [SIUT], and a private emergency clinic in Azizabad where he used to work, however every one of them said they had no beds accessible. He requested that I take him back home, where he passed away today," she conceded.

Dr Haq, who had recently resigned from the KIHD and had additionally been related with two private well-being offices, tested positive for COVID-19 alongside his significant other a week ago.

The inaccessibility of beds and alleged unavailable ventilators in serious concern, prompting the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) General Secretary, Dr. Qaisar Sajjad to demand the Sindh Government to launch an inquiry into the matter and further pursue it.

“It should be directed to the hospitals not to refuse a doctor or his family member suffering from the coronavirus from treatment.”

The management of Dolmen Mall Clifton in Karachi, has taken such measures under orders from the Government to contain and guarantee the adequate method of preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus. The decision to waiver off rentals on tenants who have stores, restaurants, outlets or retail will not be required to pay rent as of May 15th 2020. In accordance with the directions issued, supermarkets and banks which are providing essential service do not fall under this jurisdiction.

The current decision comes as a huge economic relief; due to the deadly global pandemic, businesses have come to a scathing halt and tenants, store and restaurant owners, are unable to earn and continue functioning because of the implementation of lockdown and curfew restrictions. Management has released a statement regarding their decision in solidarity with the Government regulations,

"We fully support the efforts of Sindh and Federal Governments to contain the spread of this epidemic and stand with the nation in this difficult hour. Insha Allah, by the grace of Allah Almighty, the spread will be contained soon. We shall inform the exchange as soon as the operations are normalized."

Harbour Front, Dolmen's sister mall, has also received news of a 50% withdrawal of rent, for the month of May, providing more stress-relief as tenants will be able to keep business afloat and employees financially secure.

This comes as a relief to small business owners and shopkeepers who are stressed about their lack of cash flow damaging their business as the Federal Government has been hosting consistent meetings to procure financial safety to their best capacity to compensate for losses encountered during this difficult time.

The "Labour Leader" has called for salaries and unemployment benefits to be granted to those who are unable to resume working in this difficult time as the situation worsens, especially for daily wage earners. He claimed that the Sindh Government has not followed through on the payment regime as many factory workers have been fired and found themselves out of work without being given a salary in March.

Ali stated how industries and companies were not following government orders by decreasing salaries of their employees, imploring action to be taken against those who are not compliant in abiding by government orders and regulations which had been set in place.

Followed by a collection of all the results being finalized and test reports available, they were checked thoroughly; Dr. Zafar Mirza announced on twitter,

“Prime Minister Imran Khan was tested today for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus strain that causes coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]. The test used was a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). I am happy to report that his test is NEGATIVE.”

The Sindh Health Department revealed that Faisal Edhi’s test report result for corona virus turned out to be positive. His son, Saad Edhi, confirmed that he is doing much better and has not been admitted to any hospital but has kept himself in self-isolation so far. He is in Islamabad and is reportedly in a relatively better condition.

It must be eminent that the number of definite coronavirus cases in the country has jumped to 10,076 after 327 new infections were reported during the past 24 hours. The country is struggling through this hardship with strength and prayers.

The Durj star made it clear how upon arrival in Islamabad after a rather expensive flight, the cast was told that they had to stay at the Ramada Hotel, the group was informed that their stay and dining were included in the heavy sum. However, Shamoon Abbasi attests the mistreatment on behalf of the management as well as being told tests would be conducted after a week of stay. After appearing in live sessions on social media to shed light on and elaborate on the difficult predicament, the Ishrat team were able to get their point across as reportedly the hotel management situation was cleared out and precautionary measures were exercised with precision and hygiene, not just for the group but for all the passengers staying at the hotel.

"All necessary measures are being taken now. I am glad they are following protocol."

As of 19th April, it has been announced on Shamoon Abbasi's social media platform that all 42 of the passengers present at Ramada Hotel have fortunately tested negative for coronavirus and are in good health, including actors Sara Loren, Sanam Saeed and Mohib Mirza; as the hotel staff have been accommodating after prior misunderstandings.

Sources in the Sindh government disclosed to The Express Tribune that the provincial authorities have chosen to carry mandate to alter the Sindh Rented Premises Ordinance, 1979. Punjab Government also annulled two months of payment for tenants. The Punjab Home Department on Monday gave a request declaring help for inhabitants living on lease in the territory.

"During the time of lock-down, no landowner will expel any inhabitant strongly, illicitly or without fair treatment of law, by virtue of non-installment/postponement of installment of lease. This request will stay in power in Punjab for a time of two months with prompt impact except if adjusted,"

The letter bears Additional Chief Secretary Home Momin Agha's endorsement. The responses to the request, nonetheless, have fluctuated. The occupants are diminished, yet landowners are troubled as the lease was a wellspring of a living for several.

The landlords however are still onerous for rent from the lower class, working class and lower-middle class. The daily wagers and businesses that ran on daily income are in woe. "The white-collar" are at stake in this COVID-19 because neither the EHSAAS government program is accessible for them or the ration that is being circulated by different NGOs. Social media is bursting with people prayerful for assistance and financial aid to be provided. Domestic workers below the poverty line are not being exempted by their landlords and they have been fired from households because of the socioeconomic conditions. A person taking strict precautions but the suffering is increasing day by day. It is estimated to be said that the poverty level will increase in the upcoming days from 23.7% to 44% shooting right up to such a great percentage. Feeling the pinch traders raging to open their markets because their conditions are worsening as well. A senior authority likewise uncovered that consultations are preceded on the draft of a mandate which might be proclaimed whenever.

The pandemic has become a prodigious agony and melancholy for several. The government is nerve-wracking but doing their best to control the situation with the relief and orders they can enact, but the cases have reached up to 7,261 with 1,645 recovered and 137 dead. The preeminent is being done but precautions are highly required in the COVID-19 conditions.