In Pakistan, ICU occupancy reaches breaking point as virus cases surge

Pakistani doctors would need to triage COVID-19 patients in the coming weeks if the government failed to ensure a stricter lockdown. (Photo Courtesy: SKMCH&RC)
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Updated 27 April 2020
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In Pakistan, ICU occupancy reaches breaking point as virus cases surge

  • Private hospitals no longer accepting COVID-19 patients who require ventilators
  • At least 253 medical practitioners are infected with coronavirus with three doctors’ deaths

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani doctors would need to triage COVID-19 patients in the coming weeks if the government failed to ensure a stricter lockdown and as hospitals run out of intensive care unit [ICU] beds and ventilators, the Pakistan Medical Association said on Sunday.

Doctors and lawyers have been pushing the federal government for a stricter nationwide lockdown to ensure social distancing and stem the rapid spread of the virus. But authorities say they are trying to save people and the economy from the virus through a “smart lockdown” –   a partial lockdown of cities with some exemptions to businesses and industry.

“We are currently having around 75 to 80 percent occupancy of ICU beds, while private hospitals have stopped taking [COVID-19] patients on ventilators,” Dr. Qaisar Sajjad, secretary-general of Pakistan Medical Association told Arab News.

In the next ten days, the number of coronavirus cases is projected to reach at least 25,000, when public hospitals will not have ventilators for their seriously ill patients, he said.

“Ultimately, the doctors will have to triage between a father and a son,” he said. “And if we prioritize to treat the son first, there is no guarantee he’ll recover. We should be prepared for the worst.”

Sajjad said that his association had repeatedly warned the government about rapid growth in cases, but that their advice had fallen on deaf ears.

“If the number [of cases] keeps increasing, then nobody will be safe including the rulers,” he said.

The only treatment for the pandemic is social distancing, he said, urging the government to ensure strict lockdown at least for two weeks to flatten the curve.

Healthcare practitioners are frontline workers against the disease and are faced with multiple challenges to treat patients, including a shortage of personal protection equipment [PPE], ventilators and beds. At least 253 medical practitioners have been infected with the coronavirus in Pakistan so far including 124 doctors, 39 nurses and 90 health workers according to the Ministry of National Health Services.

“We are losing precious lives to coronavirus while the government is not consulting PMA to formulate an effective strategy to safeguard health practitioners,” Sajjad said while referring to the deaths of three doctors and a nurse due to COVID-19.

Pakistan has 1,279 public sector hospitals; 5,527 basic health units; 686 rural health centers and 5,671 dispensaries. These facilities, together with 220,829 registered doctors, 22,595 registered dentists and 108,474 registered nurses mean there is one healthcare practitioner for 963 people and one hospital bed for 1,608 people in the country of 210 million, according to Pakistan Economic Survey 2018-19.

Echoing doctors’ concerns, the Pakistan Bar Council – the highest elected body of lawyers in the country – has also urged the government to impose a stricter lockdown for two weeks to contain the spread of the virus.

“As the situation emerges, Pakistan can see a peak by end of May if the social distancing isn’t ensured in markets and mosques,” Syed Amjad Shah, vice chairman Pakistan Bar Council, told Arab News on Sunday.

He said that the courts could continue with “urgent work only” for the next two to three weeks. “We should sacrifice at least two weeks under the stringent lockdown to save our lives and protect others too around us,” Shah added.

Pakistan reported its highest 24-hour surge in virus cases since the outbreak on Sunday, with the tally at 12,723 COVID-19 cases and 269 deaths. Experts however, believe the number of suspects could be much higher in the impoverished nation as testing rates are still low.

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s special assistant on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan said on Sunday that the government was doing its work, but that the public was still not practicing social distancing and self-isolation.

“We are taking into account the reservations put forward by doctors regarding leniency in the lockdown,” she said, while talking to reporters on Sunday.

However, Awan said the government’s decision of a ‘smart lockdown’ would continue to help save people from the virus. 

“Only those areas will be locked down where clusters of the virus are suspected,” she said while ignoring calls for a stricter government-imposed lockdown.


Pakistan petroleum dealers threaten nationwide strike over oil price deregulation plans

Updated 6 sec ago
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Pakistan petroleum dealers threaten nationwide strike over oil price deregulation plans

  • Pakistan’s petroleum minister last week said government was introducing new policy to deregulate oil prices
  • Petroleum dealers association says price deregulation will encourage cartels, fuel inflation in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) said on Monday it would launch a countrywide strike against the government’s decision to deregulate oil prices, warning that the move would trigger an increase in smuggling, inflation and cartels dictating oil prices. 

Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik said last week the government was planning to introduce a deregulation policy allowing oil marketing companies (OMCs) to sell fuel at competitive rates to increase their market share. Under the policy, OMCs would be allowed to set their prices and sell petrol and diesel below the government’s announced rates.

The PPDA, which represents fuel station owners and petroleum dealers across Pakistan and advocates for fuel retailers’ interests in pricing, government policies and taxation, says it was not consulted on the government’s deregulation plans. 

“The government did not consult us, we oppose this move of theirs,” Abdul Sami Khan, PPDA chairman, told Arab News over the phone on Monday. “Our central organization will hold a meeting on this, following which we will announce a date for our strike if this decision is not reversed.”

In a press release on Sunday, the union warned that deregulation of oil prices would lead to an increase in smuggling of oil from Iran and the formation of cartels, “where only two or three companies will dominate, leading to unfair pricing practices.”

The PPDA also warned that deregulating oil prices would cause inflation to surge, adversely affecting consumers. 

“The PPDA calls for an immediate review of this decision and urges the government to engage with us to address these pressing concerns,” it said. “We stand ready to discuss and collaborate on a more equitable and transparent approach to the oil pricing system.”


Pakistan need big improvement after damaging India loss, says Shakeel

Updated 24 February 2025
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Pakistan need big improvement after damaging India loss, says Shakeel

  • Tournament favorites India beat Pakistan by six wickets, inspired by Virat Kohli’s century 
  • Pakistan losing wickets in bunches and are not building big partnerships, says Saud Shakeel

DUBAI: Top-order batsman Saud Shakeel said Pakistan must be better in every facet after a six-wicket defeat to arch-rivals India left the hosts on the brink of a Champions Trophy exit.

Shakeel top scored with 62 as Pakistan were dismissed for a below-par 241 in 49.4 overs in Sunday’s blockbuster Group A clash.

Tournament favorites India overhauled the target in 42.3 overs with a masterly unbeaten 100 by Virat Kohli.

Pakistan are hosts of the one-day event but the match took place in Dubai in front of a packed 25,000 crowd after India refused to travel to their neighbor.

“We did not play well in all three departments and that is why this result has come and we have to accept this,” Shakeel told reporters.

Pakistan were lifted by a third-wicket stand of 104 between Shakeel and skipper Mohammad Rizwan, who scored 46, but both fell in successive overs in the space of eight runs.
Shakeel said those wickets hurt Pakistan.

“We are losing wickets in bunches and are not building big partnerships,” he said.

He added: “When we were batting the pitch played slow. We tried to bat deep but it did not happen.

“I am sure fans will be disappointed, just like we are.”

The defeat left Pakistan at the bottom of Group A with two losses in as many games.

They now need other results to go in their favor to remain in contention for the semifinals.

“Some things did not go in our favor,” said spinner Abrar Ahmed, but agreed with Shakeel.

“We have to change a lot of things within the group.

“This tournament is like that — you go out if you lose one match. We have to improve our batting and have to do more work on bowling.”

Pakistan face Bangladesh in their last group match in Rawalpindi on Thursday, but both will already be eliminated if Bangladesh lose to New Zealand later on Monday.

Pakistan is hosting a major international cricket tournament for the first time in nearly three decades.


‘Prayers aren’t enough’: Angry Pakistan fans demand accountability after crushing loss to India

Updated 44 min 24 sec ago
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‘Prayers aren’t enough’: Angry Pakistan fans demand accountability after crushing loss to India

  • Pakistan stare at almost-certain first round Champions Trophy elimination following loss to India 
  • Passionate fans demand cricket board move beyond “familiar faces,” introduce fresh talent to squad

ISLAMABAD: Angry and dejected Pakistan fans demanded the country’s cricket stars be held accountable for the national squad’s lackluster performance against India on Sunday, which led to a crushing defeat at the hands of their arch-rivals in the Champions Trophy 2025 tournament. 
Thousands of cricket fans across Pakistan set up large screens on Sunday to watch subcontinent rivals India and Pakistan square off in Dubai. India ended up winning the contest by six wickets, cruising to a comfortable win largely due to the efforts of former captain Virat Kohli, who scored a century to mark his comeback after a slump in form. 
Hosts and defending champions Pakistan lost their second consecutive match of the tournament on Sunday. They stare at an almost first-round elimination, leaving passionate cricket fans angry, hurt and dejected. 
“We’re always praying for Pakistan’s success, but prayers alone aren’t enough,” Iqra Tahir, a cricket fan in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi, told Reuters. “We need to focus on improving our performance. It’s time for us to take responsibility and work on our game.”
Sufyan, another supporter from Karachi, wore an Indian cricket jersey to the match. He said Pakistan lost as the team lacked hard work, skill and fitness, praising Kohli for his stellar knock.
“You can’t match Kohli’s skill and form. He was due for a comeback after a year-long slump, and predictably, he scored a century against Pakistan,” Sufyan said. 
Rimsha Tahir from Pakistan’s capital Islamabad said fans had high hopes from the national team, which were not fulfilled due to both poor batting and bowling. 
 “I urge the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) chairman to introduce fresh talent, moving beyond familiar faces to revitalize our game,” she said. 
Huzaifa Shahsawar, another fan from Islamabad, agreed. He pointed to Pakistan’s “subpar” fielding. 
“The team desperately needs re-training and accountability for their performance, which has left fans emotionally devastated,” he said. 
Pakistan’s title defense hangs by a thread following their defeat to India. The green shirts’ theoretical chances of making the last four will depend on other results. 


Pakistanis among 215 foreigners freed by Thai, Cambodian police in scam center raid

Updated 24 February 2025
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Pakistanis among 215 foreigners freed by Thai, Cambodian police in scam center raid

  • Rescued foreigners included 109 Thais, 50 Pakistanis, 48 Indians, five Taiwanese and three Indonesians, Thai government said 
  • Hundreds of thousands trafficked by criminal gangs, forced to work in scam centers, illegal online operations across Southeast Asia

BANGKOK: Thai and Cambodian police raided a building in a border town and freed 215 foreigners, a senior Thai official said on Sunday, in an expansion of a regional crackdown against cyber scam centers.
Hundreds of thousands of people have been trafficked by criminal gangs and forced to work in scam centers and illegal online operations across Southeast Asia, according to the United Nations. A UN report in 2023 estimated that the fast-growing operations generate billions of dollars annually.
The Sunday raid targeted a three-story building in the Cambodian border town of Poipet in Banteay Meanchey province. The rescued foreigners included 109 Thais, 50 Pakistanis, 48 Indians, five Taiwanese and three Indonesians, Thai government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said on Sunday.
“This is the largest number of Thais freed from a building suspected of cyber fraud for the two countries,” Jirayu said.
The raid was the result of a joint effort by Thailand and Cambodia to tackle scam centers, he said.
Scam centers have been operating for years. But they now face new scrutiny after the rescue of Chinese actor, Wang Xing, who was lured to Thailand with the promise of a job, and then abducted and taken to a scam center in Myanmar.
Southeast Asian countries have stepped up efforts to tackle scam centers with recent actions along the Thai-Myanmar border. Earlier this month, Thailand cut power, fuel and Internet supply to areas linked with scam centers.
China also repatriated 621 of its nationals rescued from scam centers in those areas over the past few days, the Thai army said on Saturday. 
 


Pakistan sends 14th consignment of relief items for Palestine 

Updated 24 February 2025
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Pakistan sends 14th consignment of relief items for Palestine 

  • Ninety tons of relief items include bell and winterized tents and tarpaulin sheets, says state media 
  • Pakistan has so far sent 25 relief consignments to Middle East affected by Israel’s military aggression

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s 14th consignment of relief items for the people of Palestine arrived at Egypt’s El Arish International Airport on Sunday, state-run media reported, with Islamabad promising more aid for the people of Gaza affected by Israeli military aggression. 

Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) collaborated with leading non-profit organization Al-Khidmat Foundation to dispatch the shipment on Sunday, which is the 25th overall relief consignment sent to people affected by Israeli military actions in the Middle East. 

A special aircraft that flew from the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi carrying 90 tons of relief supplies, including bell and winterized tens and tarpaulin sheets, landed at El-Arish International Airport on Sunday. 

“Officials from embassy of Pakistan, Cairo received the relief consignment and handed over to Egyptian Red Crescent Society for onward dispatch to Palestinian Red Crescent Society inside Gaza,” state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported. 

“More consignments from the government and people of Pakistan are on their way and will be delivered soon to the Palestinians inside Gaza.”

Israel’s war on Gaza, which began after Oct. 2023 attacks by Hamas, has killed over 48,000 people, injured thousands more and displaced almost all of the 2 million population of the territory.

Pakistan has so far dispatched a total of 1,478 tons of relief aid exclusively for Palestine, demonstrating the country’s continued commitment to supporting the people of Gaza in these difficult times, according to the Press Information Department. 

Overall, the South Asian country has dispatched 1,961 tons of humanitarian aid, including 372 tons for Lebanon and 111 tons for Syria.