EU vaccine probe deepens Europe’s Covid woes Across Europe populations are facing some of the world’s toughest anti-virus measures, yet the epidemic refuses to be curbed. Updated 10 Apr, 2021 10:14am
Allowing private sector to import vaccines and sell it during a health emergency is fraught with problems
Islamabad airport witnesses rush of travellers to UK due to April 9 deadline PIA arranged chartered flights from different countries on short notice to transport thousands of Pakistani migrants to the UK. Mohammad Asghar Updated 09 Apr, 2021 08:07am
British MPs write to Johnson over Pakistan ban The letter raises concerns about “lack of data and scientific reasoning” behind Pakistan’s inclusion on the ‘red list’. Atika Rehman Updated 09 Apr, 2021 07:35am
Govt to open Covid vaccine registration for all citizens post Eid: Asad Umar Minister terms next five to six weeks "critical" for the ongoing third wave of the virus in Pakistan. Dawn.com Updated 08 Apr, 2021 04:19pm
Modi gets 2nd vaccine dose as India hits record daily Covid-19 cases Opposition parties have blamed the government for exporting vaccine doses while covering only a fraction of India's 1.35bn people. AP | Reuters Updated 08 Apr, 2021 12:53pm
‘Govt in talks with WB, ADB to get Covid-19 jabs for 23.5m people’ A cabinet committee for Covid-19 vaccine procurement has been set up, health ministry tells SHC. Ishaq Tanoli Updated 08 Apr, 2021 10:24am
Pakistan among beneficiaries of IMF-WB initiative The initiative aims to help emerging economies deal with the negative impact of the Covid-19 crisis. Anwar Iqbal Updated 08 Apr, 2021 09:45am
Covid-19 death toll crosses 15,000 mark NA Speaker Asad Qaiser stresses need for vaccinating senior citizens in accordance with NCOC guidelines. Ikram Junaidi Updated 08 Apr, 2021 07:20am
A third of Covid survivors suffer neurological or mental disorders: study The study was not able to determine the biological or psychological mechanisms involved; researchers say further studies needed. Reuters Published 07 Apr, 2021 10:15am
Three more PIA flights arranged to transport Pakistani migrants to UK The number of additional flights operated by PIA before April 8 has increased to eight. The Newspaper's Staff Reporter Updated 07 Apr, 2021 10:19am
WHO to help strengthen healthcare services in capital Country director to visit slums, other areas with MCI team to assess their needs, says official. Ikram Junaidi Updated 07 Apr, 2021 10:18am
Traders vow to continue protest against Covid-related restrictions on Karachi markets Traders also appeal to federal government to review its plan of restrictions on business hours. Imran Ayub Updated 07 Apr, 2021 10:33am
Tokyo Olympics water polo test event put off over virus The two-day water polo test was supposed to open on Saturday but will now be held in May or June. AFP Updated 07 Apr, 2021 10:44am
Educational institutions to remain open in Balochistan, says Rind “We are making efforts to enforce SOPs in all educational institutions to save our students from the pandemic," he says. Saleem Shahid Updated 07 Apr, 2021 08:27am
Govt, ulema agree on SOPs during Ramazan Mass arrangements for Sehr, Iftar at mosques prohibited. Kalbe Ali Updated 07 Apr, 2021 08:21am
New Zealand, Australia launch ‘travel bubble’ to boost tourism The travel bubble comes more than a year after New Zealand closed its doors in response to the pandemic. AFP Updated 07 Apr, 2021 07:44am
Covid cases fall below 4,000 first time in 10 days The NCOC has decided to widen the age bracket and make citizens over 70 years of age eligible for the single dose Cansino vaccine. Ikram Junaidi Published 07 Apr, 2021 07:00am
Govt to consult IMF to disburse second relief package for vulnerable segments under Ehsaas: PM Imran Imran Khan says rich countries will have to build walls to keep economic immigrants out if money laundering is not curbed. Dawn.com Updated 07 Apr, 2021 07:36am
Clear link between AstraZeneca vaccine and rare blood clots in brain: European regulator WHO and the EU regulator have nevertheless backed the vaccine, saying the benefits outweigh the risks. Reuters Updated 06 Apr, 2021 05:45pm
Schools in Covid hotspots to remain closed for grades 1 to 8 until April 28: Shafqat Grades 9 to 12 will start in-person classes from April 19; local board exams to be held starting May end. Dawn.com Updated 06 Apr, 2021 02:49pm
Let poor countries make Covid vaccines, says UN report The report also urges rich nations to provide more funds to the COVAX campaign to speed up the vaccine rollout. Anwar Iqbal Updated 06 Apr, 2021 09:42am
Govt vows action against people getting out-of-turn vaccination Citizens below 50 years found uploading selfies of getting vaccinated on social media. Ikram Junaidi Updated 06 Apr, 2021 10:06am
Allied ‘refuses’ to treat Covid patients over beds shortage The south Punjab health secretary and four of his family members have tested positive for the virus. Asif Chaudhry Updated 06 Apr, 2021 09:57am
Citizens aged 80 and above to be vaccinated at home Bloomberg says it’ll take Pakistan a decade to vaccinate 75pc of its population. Ikram Junaidi Updated 06 Apr, 2021 07:26am
WHO asks Sindh govt to enhance Covid-19 testing capacity The global health body assures its support at federal and provincial levels for detection of identified variants of concern. Imran Ayub Updated 05 Apr, 2021 10:19am
Inter-provincial transport banned on weekends The ban will last from April 10 to April 25. Ikram Junaidi Published 05 Apr, 2021 06:59am
‘French Open postponement a possibility’ The French Open, which last year was postponed by four months, is due to start this year on May 23. Reuters Updated 05 Apr, 2021 10:35am
CAA extends restrictions on incoming flights till 20th The authority has increased the number of countries in category C from 12 to 22 due to the spread of the new variant of Covid-19. Mohammad Asghar Updated 05 Apr, 2021 10:05am
Weekly positivity rate keeps climbing in Islamabad District Health Officer Dr Zeem Zia says there has been a continuous increase in the weekly positivity rate for the last 10 weeks. Aamir Yasin | Ikram Junaidi Updated 05 Apr, 2021 10:03am
Bollywood star Akshay Kumar tests positive as India's coronavirus surge worsens Kumar said last year that he drinks cow urine daily to stay healthy — a practice some Hindus believe has medical benefits. AFP Published 04 Apr, 2021 06:23pm
Sindh govt orders 15-day suspension of physical classes for grades 1-8 starting April 6 Decision taken in view of rising incidence of Covid-19 cases, says Education Minister Saeed Ghani. Dawn.com Published 04 Apr, 2021 04:02pm
Govt will be forced to impose major restrictions if people don't follow SOPs: PM Imran PM urges the masses to strictly follow the SOPS, especially mask-wearing at all times. Dawn.com Updated 05 Apr, 2021 07:11am
Administration of single dose Cansino begins tomorrow Guidelines issued to stay safe from Covid during Ramazan. Ikram Junaidi Published 04 Apr, 2021 07:08am
LRH suspends elective services to handle influx of Covid patients Development comes after the health department asked the hospital to refer non-Covid patients to Khyber Teaching Hospital. Ashfaq Yusufzai Updated 04 Apr, 2021 11:55am
Sindh to recruit 900 health workers, revive isolation centres to meet third wave challenge The provincial govt has ordered procurement of two million doses of Chinese vaccine Convidecia. Imran Ayub Updated 04 Apr, 2021 11:23am
British MP says Pakistan travel curbs led by ‘politics not data’ Letter prompts Asad Umar to question whether UK decision is based on science or foreign policy. Atika Rehman Updated 04 Apr, 2021 06:05pm
Asad Umar questions Britain's decision to ban entry from Pakistan The decision raises the question whether the choice of countries is based on science or foreign policy, he says. Dawn.com Updated 04 Apr, 2021 08:08am
FPSC set to go ahead with exam from April 12 despite Covid-19 Under-training officers are worried about the written exam in ‘congested’ classrooms because of the rise in Covid cases. Malik Asad Updated 03 Apr, 2021 10:18am
Seven more areas in capital sealed All the areas, located in the limits of Loi Bher and Sihala police, have the highest number of active cases. Mohammad Asghar | Munawer Azeem | Aamir Yasin Updated 03 Apr, 2021 10:14am
Covid more destructive in Jan-March in Punjab 61pc of the total number of cases in Punjab were recorded during the first three months of this year. Asif Chaudhry Updated 03 Apr, 2021 09:57am
US becomes first nation to reach 100 million vaccination mark “I plead with you, don’t give back the progress we’ve all fought so hard to achieve," BIden says to Americans. AFP Updated 03 Apr, 2021 09:47am
PIA to operate extra flights for UK migrants Five PIA flights will now depart for the UK from April 4 to 9. Mohammad Asghar Updated 03 Apr, 2021 08:31am
World Bank to help KP govt deal with post-Covid situation The objective of the programme is to improve the availability and management of public resources. Amin Ahmed Updated 03 Apr, 2021 08:23am
No major deviation in positivity ratio among children: NCOC "During all three waves, infection ratio in children aged between 1-10 years remained around 3pc of total cases," it says. Aamir Yasin Updated 03 Apr, 2021 07:35am
Plans for UK travel dashed as Pakistan put on ‘red list’ Some feel the UK’s decision “defies logic” as Pakistan’s reported cases are “far lower than some countries”. Atika Rehman Updated 03 Apr, 2021 07:20am
'Pakistan not ready for third Covid wave': Bilawal blasts govt over vaccination campaign PPP leader says Pakistan lagging behind other regional countries in tackling the pandemic and vaccine rollout. Dawn.com Updated 02 Apr, 2021 11:27pm
Sindh 'expresses interest' to purchase 10 million doses of Cansino's Covid-19 vaccine Provincial health department writes letter of intent to AJM Pharma, asks about schedule of delivery and prices. Dawn.com Published 02 Apr, 2021 08:08pm
Britain to ban entry from Pakistan, three other countries from April 9 Only returning Britons or those with residency rights will be allowed to enter but will have to submit to mandatory quarantine. Reuters | Dawn.com Updated 03 Apr, 2021 07:15am
Sachin Tendulkar hospitalised after contracting coronavirus Says he has been hospitalised as a "matter of abundant precaution", hopes to be back home in a few days. AFP Updated 02 Apr, 2021 06:14pm
WHO blasts Europe’s slow vaccine rollout Says the sluggish pace is prolonging the pandemic. AFP Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:58am
Searle, Chinese firm strike deal to make Covid vaccine in Pakistan Communique says that the vaccine is in the final stages of its trial and has shown promising results. Imran Ayub Published 02 Apr, 2021 07:50am
New Covid variant affecting kids more, data shows The virus is continuously mutating and may become even more transmissible, microbiologist says. Ikram Junaidi Updated 02 Apr, 2021 10:18am
Covid vaccine ‘scams’ brew at three hospitals in Lahore Nearly 1,400 doses of the vaccine donated by China have either been administered to the ‘unauthorised persons’ or gone ‘missing’. Asif Chaudhry Updated 02 Apr, 2021 10:04am
Private firm allowed to sell Covid vaccine temporarily SHC rules ban on sale of vaccine against public interest. Ishaq Tanoli Updated 02 Apr, 2021 12:17pm
Murad renews call for inter-city bus ban to stem Covid-19 spread Wants to see PSL, international cricket matches played in Hyderabad. Tahir Siddiqui Updated 02 Apr, 2021 10:28am
Osaka wants torch relay cancelled as virus cases jump The relay began last week in Fukushima and is being seen as the first major test of the Games in holding a large-scale event. Reuters Updated 02 Apr, 2021 10:41am
Medical superintendent of Mozang Teaching Hospital in Lahore suspended over spoiled vaccine doses Punjab health minister says the MS was suspended for "extreme inefficiency", inquiry committee formed. Imran Gabol Published 01 Apr, 2021 07:41pm
'If NCOC doesn't, we will take decisions ourselves,' says Murad on tightening Covid restrictions "If lockdown was such a bad idea, why did the other three provinces and Centre follow" Sindh last year, he questions. Dawn.com Updated 02 Apr, 2021 10:28am
PHC moved for profit restriction on Covid vaccine sale Lawyer also wants order for vaccination of legal practitioners, assistants. Bureau Report Updated 01 Apr, 2021 10:04am
Hospitals in Islamabad on verge of saturation The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences has exhausted its capacity. Ikram Junaidi | Munawer Azeem | Aamir Yasin Updated 01 Apr, 2021 09:49am
Teens, minors hit hard by UK variant in Punjab Three corona babies having comorbidities have died at Children’s Hospital in March. Asif Chaudhry Updated 01 Apr, 2021 09:38am
Sindh bans all marriage functions from 6th Broader lockdowns will be enforced in areas with a positivity rate of more than 8pc. The Newspaper's Staff Reporter Updated 01 Apr, 2021 10:07am
WHO experts give nod to two Chinese vaccines Vaccine specialists at the World Health Organisation did not issue any advice on how to use China’s jabs. AFP Updated 01 Apr, 2021 09:20am
WB report highlights risks posed by Covid to Pakistan’s economy Output growth is expected to recover gradually over the medium-term, averaging 2.2 per cent over fiscal years 2021-2023. Amin Ahmed Updated 01 Apr, 2021 09:02am
China has produced 17 anti-Covid vaccines: diplomat Says four of the 17 vaccines have been approved for commercial purposes by Chinese scientists and health officials. Saleem Shahid Updated 01 Apr, 2021 08:06am
Pakistan receives 560,000 doses of vaccine from China Another consignment of 500,000 doses is set to arrive on today. Ikram Junaidi Updated 01 Apr, 2021 11:35am
More than 0.8m Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in Pakistan: Dr Faisal One million doses of purchased vaccine to be secured by tomorrow, says Dr Sultan; many more to come in next few weeks and months. Dawn.com Updated 01 Apr, 2021 07:26am
Pfizer says its Covid-19 vaccine protects younger teens At least 268 children have died from Covid-19 in the US alone and more than 13,500 have been hospitalised. AP Published 31 Mar, 2021 04:55pm
Govt restricts inter-provincial public transport on weekends Bans wedding ceremonies in 16 Covid-hit districts, halves staff attendance in its offices. Bureau Report Updated 31 Mar, 2021 09:49am
CAA extends travel restrictions till April 5 “Categorised country lists conveyed on March 20 will also continue to remain effective accordingly," authority says. Mohammad Asghar Updated 31 Mar, 2021 09:46am
Notices issued on plea for fair distribution of Covid-19 vaccines Petitioners say vaccines imported by private sector should be available as per WHO’s approved rates. Ishaq Tanoli Updated 31 Mar, 2021 09:55am
One-third of vaccines made for poor nations stay in India Data on Unicef’s website shows that India had received 10 million doses of vaccine from Covax, the most of any country. Reuters Updated 31 Mar, 2021 09:06am
NCOC to hold inquiry over video showing minister’s family being vaccinated “We have learnt that a number of segments of society are involved in such practice," says Asad Umar. The Newspaper's Staff Reporter Updated 31 Mar, 2021 04:06pm
Sindh govt to buy Cansino vaccine worth Rs500 million directly from China: minister PPP postpones April 4 rally in Pindi in view of rising cases; Sindh govt starts screening passengers at bus and train stations. Dawn.com Published 30 Mar, 2021 06:24pm
Pakistan to import Chinese Cansino vaccine in bulk to package 3m doses locally: Asad Umar First batch of 60,000 doses arriving today; interim results had shown 65.7pc efficacy in preventing symptomatic cases. Reuters Updated 30 Mar, 2021 05:43pm
PM Imran has 'fully recovered' from Covid-19: Senator Faisal Javed The PM has resumed work gradually and started building up his work routine on doctors' advice, PTI lawmaker says. Dawn.com Updated 30 Mar, 2021 04:41pm
Minister under fire for allegedly using influence to get family vaccinated for Covid-19 Videos on social media allegedly show family members of the PML-Q's Tariq Bashir Cheema getting vaccinated at home. Dawn.com Updated 30 Mar, 2021 01:28pm
Pandemic surge dampens Holi fever in India Despite the restrictions, revellers still gathered in neighbourhoods across the country. AFP Updated 30 Mar, 2021 09:37am
26 cities record over 8pc positivity rate NCOC document shows people between 20 to 40 and 60 to 70 years of age are the most vulnerable to Covid. Ikram Junaidi Published 30 Mar, 2021 07:08am
Children’s vaccination against Covid-19 recommended Researchers at the Khyber Medical University have recommended the testing and vaccination of minors and teenagers. Ashfaq Yusufzai Updated 30 Mar, 2021 10:12am
Students want O/A level exams cancelled Say they need more time to prepare themselves for the exams. Bureau Report Updated 30 Mar, 2021 10:10am
Hospitals in Islamabad asked to increase capacity for Covid-19 patients Officials say there are 80 beds allocated for Covid-19 patients in 15 hospitals. Munawer Azeem Updated 30 Mar, 2021 10:03am
Lengthy bubble tours not sustainable, warns Kohli Kohli’s comments come as cricketers prepare to head into another restricted environment for two months for the IPL. Reuters Updated 30 Mar, 2021 10:26am
Equities plunge 1,090 points as Covid intensifies A sum of Rs192 billion was washed away from market capitalisation. Dilawar Hussain Updated 30 Mar, 2021 09:49am
President Arif Alvi, Defence Minister Khattak test positive for Covid-19 President says he has only received the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine so far, was due to get the second dose soon. Dawn.com Updated 30 Mar, 2021 07:17am
Islamabad's Polyclinic faces staff shortage as more than 180 doctors, nurses battle Covid-19 The hospital has devised a strategy to extract maximum work from the remaining staff who are Covid negative: spokesperson. Naveed Siddiqui Updated 30 Mar, 2021 03:09am
No iftar gatherings, Aitekaf during Ramazan at Grand and Prophet's Mosques in S. Arabia: report Saudi has suspended international flights till May 17; minister had advised those wanting to perform Umrah to get vaccinated. Dawn.com Updated 29 Mar, 2021 06:22pm
Punjab govt to enforce lockdowns in districts with over 12pc positivity rate Lockdown to begin from April 1 and continue till April 11, says CM Buzdar; mass transit transport systems to be closed. Dawn.com Updated 29 Mar, 2021 09:50pm
Virus likely jumped to humans from bats through 'missing link' animal: WHO “A laboratory origin of the pandemic was considered to be extremely unlikely,” WHO report says. Reuters Published 29 Mar, 2021 01:57pm
Pandemic upsurge hits Europe’s recovery hopes The virus has embarked on a third wave which is proving more difficult to bring under control. AFP Updated 29 Mar, 2021 08:52am
Smart lockdown imposed in 32 Peshawar areas The administration also sealed 51 wedding halls in different parts of the provincial metropolis for holding functions. Bureau Report Updated 29 Mar, 2021 10:20am
11 more localities in capital sealed, govt tightens Covid-19 restrictions Educational institutions stopped from conducting exams, scores of people held over violation of SOPs in twin cities. Ikram Junaidi | Aamir Yasin | Mohammad Asghar Updated 29 Mar, 2021 10:04am
Case against 44 for not wearing masks in Lahore The cases were registered for violating section 6 and 7 of the Punjab Infectious Diseases Act 2020. The Newspaper's Staff Reporter Updated 29 Mar, 2021 09:56am
Shutting down of Lahore entry, exit points to be decided today Crackdown launched on those flouting SOPs at public places. Khalid Hasnain Updated 29 Mar, 2021 09:53am
Section 144 imposed in Quetta According to the notification, the govt has banned public gatherings due to an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases. The Newspaper's Staff Correspondent Updated 29 Mar, 2021 08:03am
NA session begins today amid spike in Covid-19 cases Opposition surprised over move to call session in haste Amir Wasim Published 29 Mar, 2021 07:04am