Pakistan reports 1,452 new infections, 33 deaths with increased local transmission

Pakistan's total number of coronavirus cases reached 35,788 after 1,452 new infections were reported, while death toll rose to 770 with 33 fresh fatalities, health ministry said on Thursday, as spread of deadly disease through local transmission showed a dangerous urd trajectory.

According to Ministry of National Health Services, Punjab province reported 13,561 cases, Sindh 13,341, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 5,252, Balochistan 2,239, Islamabad 822, Gilgit-Baltistan 482 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 91 cases.

With 33 more deaths, Pakistan's death toll due to COVID-19 reached 770 on Thursday.

total number of COVID-19 cases in country reached 35,788 after 1,452 patients were added in last 24 hours, ministry said.

A total of 9,695 people have fully recovered, it said.

So far, 330,750 tests have been conducted, including 13,051 in last 24 hours.

According to a report published by World Health Organisation Pakistan chapter, spread of infection through local transmission showed a dangerous urd trajectory.

Balochistan province showed highest rate of local transmission at 93 per cent, followed by Sindh (92 per cent), Punjab (85 per cent), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (84 per cent) and Gilgit-Baltistan (63 per cent), local media reported.

Meanwhile, Peshawar High Court (PHC) has been closed until May 31 after some of staff members tested positive for vel coronavirus.

According to a tification of PHC Registrar, except necessary staff, all offices, branches, bar rooms, advocate general block, consultation room, library and bookshop of high court will remain closed.

Pakistan government anunced last week that it would begin a phased lifting of lockdown due to its effect on ecomy and workforce.

As lockdown was eased, trade activities were resumed with Iran at Taftan after two trade gateways were reopened. y were closed for two-and-a-half months due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions.

In ar development, Ferozsons Laboratories, a local Pakistani company, anunced that its subsidiary BF Biosciences Ltd (BFBL) has signed a n-exclusive license agreement with Gilead Sciences Inc for manufacturing and selling remdesivir, an experimental antiviral drug allowed by US authorities to be used to treat coronavirus patients.

(Im: AP)