Bilawal tests positive for Covid-19, says will address Multan rally via video
PPP Chairman Bilawal BhuttoZardari said on Thursday that he is self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19 but that he will address the upcoming opposition rally via video link.
Bilawal's diagnosis comes just a day before the engagement of his sister, Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari, to a Dubaibased businessman and four days before the Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) next rally in Multan scheduled for November 30, which is also PPP's Foundation Day. Taking to Twitter, Bilawal said that he was currently experiencing mild symptoms. "I'll continue working from home and will be addressing PPP foundation day via video link. Wear a mask everyone, see you on the other side."
Well wishes poured in shortly after the PPP chairman made the announcement, while members of the government crticised him for "putting the public at risk" by insisting on holding large public gatherings despite having tested positive for the virus himself. Taking to Twitter, PTI's Senator Faisal Javed Khan questioned the "cruelty" behind calling people out on the streets while addressing them via video link.
"You are putting their lives in danger. Take care of others as well as yourself. These rallies have no pros, only cons." The government and opposition have been at odds over the holding of public rallies at a time when Pakistan is in the throes of a second coronavirus wave. Former prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani's son was arrested yesterday for organising the November 30 rally in Multan, where the district administration refused permission citing the high incidence of coronavirus infections.
Meanwhile, Leader
of
the
Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif sent Bilawal his best wishes and prayed for his recovery, according to a statement by the PML-N. The party added that Shehbaz was informed of Bilawal's diagnosis during his appearance in court. "Shehbaz offered prayers for all those who have contracted the virus, including Bilawal," the statement added.
Information Minister Shibli Faraz prayed for the PPP chairman and all those suffering from the disease. "Following precautionary measures is important for staying safe. Corona does not differentiate between leaders and the public," he said, urging the opposition to think about the people's health and safety. KP Health Minister Taimur Jhagra also sent the PPP chairman his best wishes, adding: "To everyone sitting on stage at the PDM jalsa, if in Pakhtunkhwa please call on the 1700 helpline and get yourself tested through response teams".
"[The govt of KP] cares about everyone's health; all tests are free of charge. Wear a mask!"
Bilawal testing positive for the coronavirus comes days after the 11-party opposition alliance pushed ahead with the decision to stage a rally in Peshawar despite warnings from the provincial government and the Centre about a second Covid-19 wave.
Last week, there was an extensive war of words between the government and the opposition over the PDM's rally in Peshawar.
Despite a ban by the district administration, the opposition had termed the government more dangerous than the pandemic and PDM president Maulana Fazlur Rehman had said the government was making desperate attempts to foil the rally on the pretext of Covid-19.
our
rapid