The coronavirus pandemic hit Pakistan in late February this year. Infection rates witnessed an all-time high in May and June, with numbers gradually dropping in July, August and September. However, the country is now battling the second wave of the deadly virus as the Covid-19 positivity ratio is back on the rise. Frontline health workers are doing the best they can to contain the virus from spreading even further, with government officials, showbiz personalities and doctors urging people to refrain from attending big gatherings, practice social distancing and continue wearing masks. Unfortunately, many Pakistani politicians have also fallen prey to the contagious coronavirus infection ever since its first outbreak in the country.
While most of them have fully recovered and are in good health, the latest to have contracted the virus are Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Aamir Liaquat Hussain.
- Murad Ali Shah
The minister announced on Monday (November 16) that he had tested positive for the coronavirus. In a series of tweets, the minister explained that he had a slight fever on Friday following which he decided to get tested. The CM said he still has temperature but his overall condition is stable. He added that he has isolated himself as per his doctors’ advice. We wish him the speediest recovery.
- Aamir Liaquat Hussain
The Pakistani TV host and politician has been a member of the Pakistan National Assembly since August 2018. Both, he and his wife Tuba Aamir recently contracted Covid-19. While the latter is on the road to recovery, Hussain was admitted into hospital over the weekend following his deteriorating condition. “We had tested Covid positive last week but his health has now deteriorated to a point where his chest is badly infected. It’s my birthday today but there is nothing to celebrate as he is terribly sick & hospitalised, please pray for us. It’s a difficult time. Can’t see him like this,” shared Tuba on Twitter. Here’s wishing him good health and lots of prayers.
- Shehbaz Sharif
Pakistan’s main opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif contracted the novel coronavirus in June this year. The news of his illness was confirmed by his family members and party spokesperson. “PML-N [Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz] president and opposition leader in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif has tested positive for coronavirus. He has quarantined himself at home,” tweeted Marriyum Aurangzeb. “This is a difficult time, may Allah protect everyone’s parents,” Sharif’s son Hamza Shehbaz told reporters in Lahore. Sharif is also a cancer survivor and has thankfully recovered from the virus.
- Sheikh Rashid Ahmad
Railway minister was tested positive for Covid-19 in June too. A spokesperson for Pakistan Railways told media at the time, that the federal minister went into self-isolation at his home after contracting the infection. Following his recovery, Ahmad thanked everyone who prayed for him, as well as Prime Minister Imran Khan and Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa for inquiring about his health on a daily basis. While he has fully recovered, the minister urged the general public to adhere to Covid-19 safety guidelines.
- Marriyum Aurangzeb
- Imran Ismail
In April this year, the Sindh governor took to his Twitter handle to share that he had tested positive for Covid-19. His post read, “I have just been tested Covid-19 positive, Allah Kareem inshallah will fight it out. @ImranKhanPTI taught us to fight out the most difficult in life and I believe this is nothing against what we are prepared for. May Allah give strength to fight this Pandemic InshaAllah.”
- Yousuf Raza Gilani
Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani also tested positive for Covid-19 in June 2020. News of his ill-health was confirmed by his son, Ali Kasim Gilani. He exclaimed that his father had to appear before anti-corruption authorities a few days before he contracted the virus. “Thank you [Prime Minister] Imran Khan’s govt and National Accountibilty [sic] Burearu [sic]! You have successfully put my father’s life in danger. His COVID-19 result came positive [sic],” he said in a tweet. Gilani, a senior member of the center-left Pakistan Peoples Party, served as prime minister from 2008 to 2012, when he was disqualified from office by the Supreme Court.
- Abdul Rasheed
- Shahid Khaqan Abbasi
- Sharjeel Memon
