Seven new cases surface in Zaireen put in quarantine at Taftan border.

KARACHI: Seven new cases have surfaced in pilgrims who were put in quarantine at Taftan border on returning from Iran, raising the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases to 28 in Pakistan, State Minister for Health Dr Zafar Mirza confirmed on Friday.

Addressing a news conference here, he said a minor boy and his attendee woman are among those tested positive. He said a mobile laboratory has been established at Taftan border to treat any such cases. "All 28 cases are travellers," he maintained.

Meanwhile, Sindh Health Department has confirmed a new case of COVID-19, taking the reported cases to 15 in the province. Media Coordinator to Health Minister Meeran Yousuf said a 52-year-old male having history of arrival from Islamabad two days back was tested positive on Friday. She said his contacts are being traced for the screening purpose.

She said 54 tests were conducted on Thursday but all were found negative. She further said two patients have been discharged so far while 13 others are still under treatment and are in stable condition.

Meanwhile, six Afghan nationals entering Pakistan via Torkham border were denied permission on Friday on suspicions of being infected by coronavirus. The Afghan nationals had recently travelled to China and the immigration officials at Torkham border refused them entry.

As many as 1,800 pilgrims on Friday were shifted to Quetta from quarantine at the Taftan border. The pilgrims were kept in quarantine after reaching Pakistan from Iran amid coronavirus threat that has claimed more than 450 lives in Iran. The pilgrims were shifted to Quetta in 50 buses under tight security.

Meanwhile, the return of Pakistani pilgrims from Iran via Taftan border...