ISLAMABAD: A day after he returned from his trip to the UK, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was tested positive for Covid-19 and advised complete rest.

In a tweet on Tuesday, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the prime minister was feeling unwell for the past two days and got tested for coronavirus, which turned out to be positive.

She appealed to the people and party workers to pray for his early recovery.

The prime minister retur­ned from the UK on Monday after he had extended his stay for two days on the pretext of illness. He was set to return on Friday but he went back from the airport in London after developing symptoms of a fever and doctors advised him not to travel for a couple of days.

Meanwhile, political leaders have expressed good wishes for the prime minister and prayed for his quick recovery.

President Arif Alvi has expressed good wishes for the health of the premier, according to a statement by the Presidency. He also prayed for his early recovery.

In a statement, PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari wished the premier a speedy recovery and expressed hope that he will “continue to serve the nation” after recovery.

Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also prayed for the premier’s speedy recovery. “I was sorry to hear about @CMShehbaz COVID positive result. Prayers for his speedy recovery.Get well soon,” he tweeted. National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf and Deputy Speaker Zahid Akram Durrani also wished him a speedy recovery.

According to media reports, the PM has been diagnosed with Covid-19 a third time.

Published in Dawn, November 16th, 2022