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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
Updated 27 April 2020
Aamir Saeed

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.

Topics: CORONAVIRUS PAKISTAN

Babar Azam becomes first Pakistani batter to register 30 centuries in 50-over domestic matches

Updated 20 September 2024
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Babar Azam becomes first Pakistani batter to register 30 centuries in 50-over domestic matches

  • Babar hit an unbeaten 104 off 100 balls as Allied Bank Stallions defeated Engro Dolphins in Champions One-Day Cup
  • For the 2nd consecutive game Dolphins failed to chase a total and reached only 97 runs in pursuit of the 272-run target
Updated 20 September 2024
Shahjahan Khurram

ISLAMABAD: Babar Azam on Thursday became the first Pakistani batter to register 30 or more List-A centuries as he smashed a brilliant 104 runs to guide Allied Bank Stallions to a victory over Engro Dolphins in the Champions One-Day Cup at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad. 
For the second consecutive game Dolphins failed to chase a total as they could only reach 97 runs in pursuit of the 272-run target set by Stallions.
Babar hit an unbeaten 104 off 100 balls with the help of seven fours and three sixes, including a boundary on penultimate ball of the innings to bring up his record century. 
“Babar Azam smashed his 30th List-A century, becoming the first Pakistan batter to register 30 or more List-A centuries,” the Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement.
The List-A cricket refers to 50-over domestic matches. The ton comes as a major sigh of relief for Babar, who’s had a poor form over the past few months. 
Babar has failed to score a half-century in the last eight Test matches he has played and has also failed to deliver stellar performances in the last two ICC cricket world cups in India and the United States.
Yasir Khan (46, 58b, 5x4s), Shan Masood (34, 36b, 3x4s) and Tayyab Tahir (33, 49b, 4x4s) were the other notable contributors. In turn, Mehran Mumtaz (3-14) and Jahandad Khan (3-18) picked up three wickets each as Dolphins fell for a paltry 97 in just 25 overs. 
After Stallions won the toss and elected to bat first, Shan and Yasir provided a solid opening partnership of 76 runs before falling in 13th and 17th overs, respectively. Babar and Tayyab stitched a 57-run third-wicket partnership before the latter fell in the 30th over. 
Hussain Talat chipped in with 23 off 25 balls with the help of two fours while also adding 46 with Babar for the fifth wicket. The eighth-wicket partnership between Babar and Haris Rauf stretched for 41 runs in 23 balls with the latter only contributing three runs. All six Dolphins bowlers picked up one wicket each. 
Jahandad’s three-wicket burst with the new ball left Dolphins at 40-3 before the other bowlers struck at regular intervals as they lost remaining seven wickets for just 57 runs. Abrar Ahmed dismissed the top scorers for Dolphins, Sahibzada Farhan (32, 36b, 6x4s) and Asif Ali (21, 28b, 3x4s). Haris Rauf bagged two wickets as well. 
Stallions made it two out of three wins as they qualified for the playoff stage, along with UMT Markhors and Lake City Panthers, while the Dolphins faced their third consecutive defeat. Lions and Dolphins are fighting for the fourth place in the playoff stage and will face each other on September 22.

Topics: Babar Azam

Indian general praises professionalism of Pakistani soldiers on UN mission in South Sudan

Updated 20 September 2024
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Indian general praises professionalism of Pakistani soldiers on UN mission in South Sudan

  • Severe flooding in Sudan last month led to the destruction of nearly two dozen villages and caused 30 confirmed deaths
  • Pakistani peacekeepers undertook daunting engineering tasks in a complex environment, ensuring protection of civilians
Updated 20 September 2024
Hasaan Ali Khan

ISLAMABAD: Indian Force Commander at the United Nations (UN) mission in South Sudan, Lt. Gen. S Mohan, has commended the efforts of Pakistan’s peacekeeping contingent in saving hundreds of thousands of Sudanese people stranded in floods last month, the Pakistani military said on Thursday.
Severe flooding that resulted from torrential rains overwhelmed the Arbaat Dam and led to the destruction of nearly two dozen villages and caused at least 30 confirmed deaths in Sudan last month, Reuters reported.
Pakistani peacekeepers, who have been performing duties for peace and security in South Sudan, undertook daunting engineering tasks in a complex environment and ensured the protection of civilians, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military’s media wing.
The Indian general acknowledged their professionalism in a letter written to Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, in which Lt Gen Mohan commended the “dedication and unwavering commitment” of Pakistani peacekeepers in Sudan.
“Pakistani blue helmets have undertaken daunting engineers’ tasks in complex and challenging operational environment to ensure protection of civilians, which has always remained top priority for Pakistani peacekeepers,” the ISPR said in a statement.
“Pakistani contingent worked day and night and protected over 250,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in worst flood affected areas.”
The complex and contentious relationship between Pakistan and India has been marred by territorial and other disputes, with the disputed Himalayan territory of Kashmir being the most significant of them. Ties between the two neighbors remain suspended since Aug. 2019, when New Delhi revoked semi-autonomous status of part of Kashmir it controls.
The ISPR said the Indian general specially acknowledged Pakistan’s Brig. Shafqat Iqbal and Lt. Col. Shahbaz Aslam for their role in saving the lives of Sudanese people, which served as a “testament” to Pakistan Army’s reputation in international peacekeeping efforts.
“Pakistan remains committed to play a pivotal role as a responsible member of the international community to help realize the ideals of global peace and security through active support in UN Peacekeeping Missions,” it added.

Topics: ISPR Pakistan Army South Sudan Pakistan India

PM Sharif says second phase of CPEC to help transform Pakistan’s economy

Updated 20 September 2024
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PM Sharif says second phase of CPEC to help transform Pakistan’s economy

  • CPEC, a part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, aims to connect China to the Arabian Sea and help Islamabad expand and modernize its economy
  • Beijing has shown willingness for its second phase that includes new corridors for growth, livelihood, innovation, green economy and development
Updated 20 September 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would help Pakistan transform its economy, Pakistani state media reported.
The statement came at a reception hosted by the Chinese embassy in Islamabad with regard to China’s National Day, which was attended by PM Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, diplomats, dignitaries, and senior civil and military officers.
CPEC, a part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, aims to connect China to the Arabian Sea through a network of roads, railways, pipelines and ports in Pakistan and help Islamabad expand and modernize its economy.
China has also shown willingness for the second phase of CPEC and has given assurances for the establishment of five new corridors, including that of growth, livelihood, innovation, green economy and open regional inclusive development.
“We are entering into the second phase of CPEC which has huge potential of mutual cooperation in the field of agriculture, information technology, mines and minerals and many other important areas of mutual interests,” the state-run APP news agency quoted Sharif as saying at the event to commemorate China’s 75th anniversary.
He acknowledged China’s critical role in Pakistan’s talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a new $7 billion bailout program to keep its economy afloat. Islamabad has for years relied on China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for assistance to meet such external financing requirements.
“The ongoing partnership not only fostered regional development and peace but also contributed to global stability and progress, aligning with President Xi Jinping’s vision,” Sharif added.
Speaking at the event, President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working together with China for shared prosperity, peace and stability in the world.
The high-quality development of CPEC would “help unlock greater benefits for our people, besides enhancing connectivity and prosperity of the region,” he was quoted as saying by the APP.
President Zardari felicitated the Chinese people on the auspicious occasion, saying the first of October marked the rebirth of a strong, united China that was achieved through the “heroic struggle” of the Chinese people under the leadership of the Communist Party.
He reflected on the invaluable contributions made by the successive generations in transforming the Pakistan-China friendship into an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

Topics: Pakistan China Ties China's National Day Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

UAE’s AD Ports delegation discusses investment opportunities with Pakistan’s deputy PM

Updated 13 min ago
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UAE’s AD Ports delegation discusses investment opportunities with Pakistan’s deputy PM

  • High-ranking AD Ports delegation meets Ishaq Dar to discuss investment opportunities particularly in aviation sector
  • To ward off its prolonged economic crisis, Pakistan has intensified its efforts in recent months to attract international investments
Updated 13 min ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: A delegation of the UAE’s Abu Dhabi (AD) Ports group discussed investment opportunities with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar this week, his office said, amid Islamabad’s push to secure investments to bolster its fragile economy. 
Pakistan has intensified its efforts in recent months to attract international investments, particularly from Gulf countries, as it looks to evade a prolonged macroeconomic crisis. The South Asian country has been struggling with a chronic balance of payments crisis, a weak currency and low foreign reserves that have crippled its $350 billion economy. 
AD Ports Group, a leading maritime and logistics provider in the Middle East, signed an agreement in July this year to invest $250 million in Pakistan in 10 years as it plans to build an advanced port facility in the country’s seaside metropolis of Karachi.
“A high-ranking UAE delegation led by CEO of Shipping and Transhipment, Abu Dhabi Ports Amir Maghami, today called on DPM/FM @MIshaqDar50 to discuss investment opportunities in Pakistan, particularly in the aviation sector,” Dar’s office said. 
The UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner after China and the United States. It is also an ideal export destination for the South Asian nation as the short distance between the two countries limits transportation costs and facilitates commercial exchanges.
The Middle Eastern country is also home to over a million and a half Pakistani expatriates. After Saudi Arabia, the UAE is Pakistan’s largest source of workers’ remittances and the preferred choice of thousands of laborers who live and work in the country.

Topics: Pakistan UAE ties

Female leopard succumbs to gunshot wounds in Pakistan’s capital

Updated 20 September 2024
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Female leopard succumbs to gunshot wounds in Pakistan’s capital

  • Leopard was brought to Islamabad from Azad Kashmir, where it suffered gunshot wounds
  • She was shot near the heart at close range which proved fatal, says wildlife official 
Updated 20 September 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: A female leopard succumbed to gunshot wounds in Pakistan’s capital this week, state-run media reported, despite efforts by the city’s wildlife team to save her life.
The leopard, also known as “The Malka Queen” was rescued from Azad Kashmir’s Haveli district by the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) in a severely injured state after being wounded by gunshots, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said.
It said bullets had damaged the leopard’s spinal cord and rear paws due to which she could neither stand nor walk. The report did not specify when the female leopard was rescued and brought to Islamabad.
“A female leopard (Malka-Queen) rescued from Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Haveli district perished amid rehabilitation efforts of IWMB,” APP said. 
It added that the killer had shot the leopard close to her heart which proved fatal for her. 
An IWMB spokesperson said medical experts removed the bullets from the leopard’s body but were unable to prevent her from dying. 
“One shot hit Malka near the heart and the other near the spinal cord,” the spokesperson said. “The veterinarians had also expressed concern for the Queen’s life as the vet had already indicated minimal chances of recovery but still, we tried our best as we wanted to give her a chance.”
The IWMB had informed the Azad Kashmir Wildlife Department about the leopard’s death, prompting the latter to initiate legal action against the accused responsible for shooting the leopard, the spokesperson said. 
 “We have informed AJK wildlife department that it’s a 12-bore shotgun shot hit from quite close distance with an SG or LG Cartridge,” the spokesperson said. 
The body of the leopard was shifted to the Pakistan Museum of Natural History in consultation with the Azad Kashmir Wildlife Department to preserve the leopard’s taxidermy for research and education purposes. 
The IWMB official clarified that taxidermy of only those wild animals was allowed that were considered important for research and education purposes whereas those with risks of communicable or viral diseases were buried.
He said taxidermy was an important component required for further research and education purposes to enhance knowledge of the wild species.

Topics: Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) leopard Pakistan wildlife azad kashmir

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