Maryam Nawaz tests positive for Covid-19

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice-President Maryam Nawaz has tested positive for Covid-19, the party's information secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Wednesday.

"Maryam has quarantined herself," Aurangzeb said in a tweet, requesting people to pray for her early recovery.

Maryam actively participated in PML-N's election campaign for the July 25 polls in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), where the party failed to make any giant strides and lost the government to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Taking to Twitter, Maryam said that she was experiencing symptoms of cold, flu, and cough, and thanked everyone for their good wishes and prayers. "Overwhelmed by the outpouring of prayers & good wishes. Means a world."

Pakistan reported 4,119 coronavirus cases at a positivity level of 7.9% during the last 24 hours, with both numbers recording their highest levels in over two months, as concerns around the fourth Covid-19 wave come to life.

Fourth wave of Covid-19 could emerge in Pakistan in July, warns Asad Umar

Since July, Pakistan has been witnessing a surge in coronavirus cases as well as national positivity level as the country grapples with the Delta variant of the Covid-19.

Earlier this month, Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Asad Umar warned that the fourth wave of the coronavirus could emerge in Pakistan in July if the SOPs are not followed.

'Unnecessary movement' in Karachi restricted after 6pm as Sindh tightens Covid SOPs

The minister said that the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) carried out an “artificial intelligence-based disease modeling analysis”, which suggests that in the absence of "strong SOP enforcement and continued strong vaccination program,” the 4th wave is likely to emerge in Pakistan.

The spread of the Delta variant has reached alarming levels in Karachi, with hospitals reaching capacity and reportedly refusing additional patients.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has also instructed Karachi police to restrict 'unnecessary movement' in the city after 6 pm. In Karachi, the positivity rate has crossed the 30% mark.