ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reported first case of mpox virus this year in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar, Pakistani state media reported on Saturday.
People who contract mpox get flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. Children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of complications from the infection.
Authorities detected the virus in a 35-year-old man during screening at the Peshawar airport, the Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported.
“As soon as the case was reported, the public health team reached Peshawar airport and shifted the patient to Police Services Hospital,” Ehtesham Ali, adviser to provincial chief minister on health, was quoted as saying.
Pakistan confirmed its first mpox case in August last year and has since implemented screening protocols at all airports and border entry points. The South Asian country reported at least eight mpox cases in 2024.
The World Health Organization on August 14, 2024 declared a global health emergency over the spread of a new mutated strain of mpox named clade I, which first emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo and spread to several countries, leading to increased monitoring and preventive measures worldwide.
Pakistan has so far not reported any cases of the new mutation.
Pakistan reports first case of mpox virus this year
https://arab.news/4s3vb
Pakistan reports first case of mpox virus this year
- Authorities detected the virus in a 35-year-old man during screening at the Peshawar airport, shifted him to isolation ward
- Since reporting first case in August, Pakistan has implemented screening protocols at all airports and border entry points
Saudi Arabia awards Pakistani army chief with King Abdulaziz Medal
- Medal recognizes Field Marshal Asim Munir’s efforts in strengthening Saudi-Pakistani friendship, advancing joint cooperation
- Munir reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to security, stability and prosperity of Saudi Arabia, says Pakistan military’s media wing
ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman presented the King Abdulaziz Medal of the First Class to Pakistan’s Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Sunday in a ceremony at his office in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The SPA said Munir was awarded the medal following a royal order from Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. The medal recognizes Munir’s distinguished efforts in strengthening Saudi-Pakistani friendship, advancing joint cooperation and developing relations between the two countries.
“Upon the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ directive, Minister of Defense decorates Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff with King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class,” the SPA wrote on social media platform X.
Munir’s meeting with Prince Khalid featured a review of historical ties, strategic defense cooperation between the two countries and discussions on promoting international peace and security.
Pakistan military’s media wing said the award also reflects Munir’s contributions toward regional peace and stability, including sustained collaboration in counter-terrorism and security.
“The conferment of the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class underscores the depth of Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations and the shared determination of both nations to further strengthen strategic cooperation in pursuit of regional and global peace,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan military’s media wing, said.
Munir thanked the Saudi leadership for the honor, describing it as a “reflection of the enduring bonds between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.”
“He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the security, stability and prosperity of the Kingdom,” the ISPR said.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have eyed closer economic and defense ties in recent months. The two countries signed a historic strategic defense pact in September this year, according to which an attack on one country will be treated as an attack on both.
In October, Islamabad and Riyadh agreed to launch an Economic Cooperation Framework to expand bilateral trade and investment ties.
