2,629 Covid-19 cases, 73 deaths reported in single day.

Byline: Ikram Junaidi

ISLAMABAD -- While the government claims it has pushed the novel coronavirus on back foot across the country and the number of cases has come down by 40 per cent, the opposition Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) on Monday doubted the government figures, saying data revealed that the number of deaths had increased.

On the other hand, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr Zafar Mirza has been infected with the deadly virus.

The country reported 2,629 Covid-19 cases and 73 deaths over the past 24 hours, taking the national tally of cases to 233,646 and fatalities to 4,818.

PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb claimed that the government data revealed that the number of deaths had increased, adding it was learnt that a number of people died due to Covid-19 but they were neither tested nor treated.

PML-N casts doubt on govt's coronavirus figures; Zafar Mirza contracts virus

'Data shows that the number of deaths has increased. The disease cannot be curbed unless real data will be shared with the stakeholders,' she said.

In a tweet on Monday, SAPM Mirza said: 'I have tested positive for COVID-19. Under med advice I have isolated myself at home and taking all precautions. I have mild symptoms. Please keep me in your kind prayers. Colleagues, keep up the good work! You are making a big difference and I am proud of you.'

Talking to Dawn, Dr Mirza said that after developing Covid-19 symptoms he had decided to get himself tested. 'The report received on...