Pakistan’s two senior politicians test positive for Covid-19

Pakistan’s two senior politicians on Saturday tested positive for coronavirus, as health authorities in the country warned of reimposing strict restrictions to keep the virus at bay.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Haider Zaidi announced that he had tested positive for novel coronavirus and had gone into quarantine.

Senior leader of Pakistan Muslim League-N Musadik Malik also announced he had contracted the virus. The PML-N leader had isolated himself as part of precautionary measures.

In a tweet, Zaidi said, “So they just told that I have tested Covid-19 positive, means I have to quarantine and isolate myself,” adding that “Maybe down, but not out.”

However, the ruling PTI member made it clear that the infection would not stop him from exposing those who plundered country’s wealth.

He said he will keep using social media and expose those who have robbed this nation and continue to damage us even today.

“May Allah give strength to all those who stand for justice” he added.

Musadik Malik in a tweet, said: “I have just about received my Covid-19 result. Unfortunately, I am coronavirus positive, and am going into isolation. Please keep me in your prayers.”

“Most regretfully, I would miss one of the most important family events — my loss,” he added.

Zaidi and Malik have become latest politicians to have contracted the virus.

Earlier this week, Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan, who had tested positive for coronavirus on October 13, said that he had again tested positive for the virus, Geo News said in a report.

At least 108 Pakistani politicians, including PML-N president Shahbaz Sharif, ANP’s Ghulam Ahmad Bilour, Sindh Governor Imran Ismail, Sindh Education Minister Saeed Ghani, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, and Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Dost Mohammed Mazari have previously tested positive for coronavirus, most of whom went into self-isolation and recovered. Of the total, 42 belong to the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

PTI Punjab lawmaker Shaheen Raza was the first parliamentarian in the country who died due to Covid-19 a few months ago.

PTI MPA Mian Jamsheduddin Kakakhel from Nowshera and PML-N MPA Shaukat Manzoor Cheema from Gujranwala also passed away in June after being on the ventilator for a few days.

• Pakistan