ISLAMABAD: Health authorities in Pakistan have detected over five dozen cases of the omicron variant of coronavirus amid a surge in virus infections in the country, local media reported on Saturday.
The omicron strain has higher transmissibility than other variants. It emerged in South Africa in November 2021 and spread across nearly 90 countries within a few weeks of its discovery.
Pakistan has reported more than 500 daily new infections over the last two days, according to official figures. The South Asian nation last month tightened up travel restrictions from some countries to counter the threat of the new strain.
Punjab, the country’s most populous province, reported 49 confirmed cases of omicron variant for the first time, the Dawn newspaper reported, citing an official.
“Forty-eight confirmed cases of the new variant were reported from Lahore while only one from Bahawalpur,” the report read. “Most of the cases were reported from [Lahore’s] Gulberg and Cantonment areas.”
Authorities in Karachi detected an omicron hotspot in Gulshan-e-Iqbal area after the emergence of 12 cases of the new strain, the Karachi East deputy commissioner’s office said.
They have imposed a lockdown in the vicinity to prevent the spread of the new variant.
Pakistan reported its first omicron case in Karachi on December 13. The South Asian nation has also stepped up its vaccination drive against coronavirus.
So far, the country had vaccinated more than 150 million people with Punjab leading the way by inoculating 68 percent of its eligible population, Pakistani Planning Minister Asad Umar said late last month.
A total of 92,086,806 people had received at least one dose of anti-COVID vaccines, while 65,149,948 individuals had been fully inoculated in the country, according to official figures.
Pakistan detects 61 omicron cases amid surge in COVID-19 infections
https://arab.news/6tjf5
Pakistan detects 61 omicron cases amid surge in COVID-19 infections
- In a first, Punjab reports 49 cases of new variant with a majority from Lahore
- Lockdown imposed in Karachi after authorities detect omicron hotspot in Gulshan-e-Iqbal
Pakistan beat India by 191 runs to win U-19 Asia Cup final in Dubai
- Sameer Minhas played a clinical 172-run knock to lead Pakistan to a commanding total of 347-8
- In response, India were in the game for first few overs but collapsed at 156 runs from 26.2 overs
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan delivered a commanding all-round performance to thrash arch-rivals India by 191 runs in the Under-19 Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sunday, dominating the contest with both bat and ball.
India, who were undefeated in the tournament, won the toss and put Pakistan to bat first. The decision did not pan out well for the Blue Shirts as Pakistan were off to a flying start, powered by opener Sameer Minhas and middle-order batter Usman Khan.
The two built a 92-run partnership before Khan returned to the pavilion. Minhas, however, kept on piling the runs and smashed a clinical 172-run knock to lead Pakistan to a commanding total of 347-8 from 50 overs. Ahmed Hussain scored 56 runs off 72 deliveries.
In response, India were in the game for the first few overs, but after that, it was all Pakistan, with bowlers picking up wickets at regular intervals. The Indian side collapsed at 156 runs from 26.2 overs. Minhas was declared player-of-the-match and player-of-the-series.
“It was a good innings... we wanted to bat first looking at the track,” Minhas said. “It is very memorable for me.”
Ali Raza picking up 4 wickets for Pakistan, while Deepesh Devendran was the pick of the Indian bowlers, returning figures of 3-83.
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari congratulated the U19 team on the impressive victory.
“Impressive victory over India in final shows young players’ dedication and resolve,” he said on X. “A proud moment for the nation. Appreciation to captain, team, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, and coaches.”
