Coronavirus: Pakistan's confirmed cases jumps to 17,439, recovery rate rose to 4,315

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Pakistan rose to 17,439 on Friday after new infections were confirmed in the country.

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

Total confirmed cases: 17,439

• Sindh: 6,675

• Punjab: 6,340

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 2,627

• Balochistan: 1,049

• Islamabad Capital Territory: 343

• Gilgit-Baltistan: 339

• AJK: 66

Deaths: 391

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 146

• Sindh: 118

• Balochistan: 14

• Gilgit-Baltistan: 3

• Punjab: 106

• Islamabad Capital Territory: 4

Officials have recorded more than 3.19 million cases and more than 230,000 deaths since the virus emerged in China in December.

Railways minister assures that no worker will be sacked

Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad has said that not a single employee will be sacked from the Railways due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

In his message on 'Labour Day', he said that the COVID-19 had badly affected the labour class. He added that millions of people would go below the poverty line due to the pandemic across the world.

State's responsibility to meet needs of doctors: Bilawal Zardari

Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has likened doctors to soldiers and said that it is expected of the state to fulfil their needs.

In a press conference in Karachi, he said that it is unfathomable that a soldier should be sent to a war zone without weapons.

"It is the state's responsibility to provide doctors and health professionals protective equipment," said Bilawal.

He added that the Sindh government was trying to ensure that the doctors are given the protective equipment they require.

During the press conference, the PPP chairman also hit out at the federal government over its claims of giving financial assistance to daily wage earners.

“The PM and his representatives mention daily wage earners but do not support them,” claimed Bilawal. He also alleged that Sindh is yet to receive any funds from the federal government.

President Alvi asks MNAs to be in contact with their constituents

President Arif Alvi in a letter to the members of the National Assembly (MNA) instructed them to be in touch with their constituents and be a part of their loss.

The president also urged the MNAs to stay in contact with the doctors and paramedical staffs in their constituencies and urged them to fulfil all their needs.

President Alvi urged the lawmakers to work with the well off people in their constituency and reach out to the poor constituents. He also asked them to carry out coronavirus awareness campaigns in their areas.