The tally of positive coronavirus cases in Pakistan reached 2039, health authorities confirmed on Wednesday.
Punjab and Sindh topped the list with 708 and 676 cases. Pakistan occupied Kashmir reported six cases, while there were 158 cases in Balochistan, 184 in Gilgit Baltistan, 54 in Islamabad, and 253 cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Authorities said that the sudden hike in the tally was due to imported cases, while around 27 per cent were from the local transmission of the highly contagious virus.
The country has reported 26 deaths so far.
The National Coordination Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan, has formed a National Command Centre for a more coordinated response against the coronavirus outbreak.
The Centre, headed by Lt. Gen. Mehmood-uz-Zaman, became operational from Tuesday (March 31).
Moreover, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has also agreed that the expenditure incurred on COVID-19 would not be treated as part of the budget deficit of Pakistan.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app