Special Assistant to Prime Minister Imran Khan (SAPM) on Health Zafar Mirza has said that it is unlikely that a coronavirus vaccine will be available this year.

In a tweet on Thursday, the SAPM said that currently there have been over 150 vaccine initiatives across the globe, out of which 12 are in their advanced stages. Mirza said Pakistan is closely monitoring these vaccine initiatives.

He further said that it seems unlikely that a vaccine will be 'available anytime soon'.

He continued that the PM has called on the international community for a 'people's vaccine' against the virus.

"We have formed National Vaccine Taskforce, which will develop and execute our strategy to ensure early, equatable and reliable access to COVID19 vaccine(s) in Pakistan," the SAPM said.

Pakistan has recorded 269,191 cases and 5709 deaths.