COVID-19: Pakistan's confirmed cases jumps to 7,993, recovery rate rose to 1,868

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Pakistan rose to 7,993 on 19 April after new infections were confirmed in the country.

The province-wise break up of the total number of cases is as follows:

Total confirmed cases: 7,993

• Sindh: 2,355

• Punjab: 3,649

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 1,137

• Balochistan: 376

• Islamabad Capital Territory: 171

• Gilgit-Baltistan: 257

• AJK: 48

Deaths: 159

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 60

• Sindh: 47

• Balochistan: 5

• Gilgit-Baltistan: 3

• Punjab: 41

• Islamabad Capital Territory: 2

Officials have recorded more than 2.3 million cases and more than 158,000 deaths since the virus emerged in China in December.

Country to start producing 100,000 N95 masks daily from April 30: Shahbaz Gill

PTI leader Shahbaz Gill has said the country will start producing 100,000 N95 masks daily from April 30.

“This will not only meet Pakistan's need but will also be exported,” Gill said.

He added the masks will range between Rs300 to Rs400.

Ordinance being introduced to stop smuggling of essential commodities, dollars

Law Minister Farogh Naseem on Sunday said an ordinance will be introduced in a couple of days to curb smuggling of essential commodities and dollars from unusual routes.

While addressing a news conference in Islamabad, Naseem said the government has strengthened laws to punish the hoarders of wheat, sugar, flour, ghee, sanitizers, face masks and other essential items during the health crisis.

“An anti-smuggling law is also being brought to prevent smuggling of dollars and essential commodities such as sugar and wheat through undeclared routes,” Naseem said.

He added the government would not let anyone exploit the prevailing situation.

Pakistan starts repatriating UAE-based nationals

Pakistan has started repatriating some of its citizens from the United Arab Emirates, which had threatened to review labour ties with countries refusing to take back their nationals during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The first Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight carrying 227 "stranded passengers" from Dubai and other emirates left for Islamabad on Saturday evening, Pakistan's consulate general in Dubai said in a Twitter post.