CJP, family members test negative

Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed, his family members and secretary were tested negative for the coronavirus.

According to a statement released by the apex court's PRO on Tuesday; "One of the employees of Supreme Court of Pakistan, Ahsan, naib qasid developed some symptoms of the COVID-19 and he was quarantined as a suspicious case."

It said his COVID-19 test was conducted but result of the first test was doubtful.

Hence, his second test was conducted, which was positive.

Therefore, he is in isolation at Polyclinic Hospital, Islamabad.

"Consequent upon that, COVID-19 tests of Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed, his family members and secretary to chief justice were conducted, which all are negative. 'Alhamdulillah'", said the statement.

A five-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed, while hearing suo moto, on the steps taken by the federal government and all the provinces to deal with the pandemic, noted that the Punjab, Sindh and the ICT, are on different pedestals, where there is a considerable threat of surge of this pandemic. It therefore had sought reports from them by Monday (April 20).

The bench also observed that the doctors and paramedics, who are working on the frontline in dealing with this pandemic, are especially affected and are at risk of contracting this disease.

However, it hoped that the federal government and also the provincial governments, the ICT and GB shall ensure that all necessary needs of the doctors and paramedics, in such emergency situation, are fully fulfilled.

During the proceedings, Attorney General for Pakistan Khalid Jawed on behalf of the federal government assured the apex court that various measures on the social welfare side and on humanitarian grounds are being taken to reduce the effect of the coronavirus on the people.