covid-19 – BOL News Staging

Pakistani actress sheds light on reasons for living alone

July 25, 2025 by Fakhra Intezar

Pakistani actress Ammara Chaudhry has shared a deeply personal and “frightening” experience about the challenges of living alone, highlighting a terrifying incident during her battle with COVID-19. During a recent appearance on a private TV show, Ammara Chaudhry spoke about the increasing number of young men and women living alone in major cities like Karachi, … Read more

President Asif Zardari tests positive for COVID-19

April 2, 2025 by Nimra Sohail

President Asif Ali Zardari has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently in isolation, as confirmed by his physician, Dr. Asim Hussain. He is receiving medical care at a private hospital, and all his official meetings have been postponed until he recovers. Doctors have conducted multiple tests to monitor his health. A day earlier, Asif … Read more

When Robert Pattinson almost quit acting due to COVID

January 22, 2025 by Areej Afzal

Robert Pattinson revealed that he “almost” walked away from acting.
He believed that cinema was on the verge of collapse due to COVID.
He shared how he questioned the future of his career.

Robert Pattinson recently revealed that he “almost” walked away from acting, believing that cinema was on the verge of collapse due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Hollywood labor strikes. In an interview with Vanity Fair, the actor shared how he questioned the future of his career during these uncertain times.

“It’s strange because the last few years for the film industry, starting with COVID and then the strikes, everyone was constantly saying cinema is dying. And quite convincingly,” Pattinson admitted. “I was literally almost turned off. It actually started to get a little worrying.”

Despite his doubts, a wave of ambitious films, including Oscar hopeful The Brutalist, reignited his enthusiasm. Directed by Brady Corbet, the film played a key role in helping Pattinson rediscover his love for acting.

Discussing the recent surge of exciting projects, Pattinson said, “Then looking in the last few months, there’s this flurry of very ambitious movies.” He believes that the upcoming Oscar contenders reflect a newfound energy in the industry, adding, “There’s suddenly a new batch of directors who the audience is excited about as well.”

Pattinson is hopeful about his upcoming sci-fi black comedy Mickey 17, directed by Bong Joon Ho, and looks forward to returning as Batman in The Batman Part II, set for an October 2027 release.

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Karachi experiences rise in COVID-19 infections

January 18, 2025 by Nimra Sohail

Karachi has witnessed a rise in COVID-19 cases, with 25 to 30 percent of patients exhibiting symptoms like cold and cough testing positive for the virus. Professor Saeed Khan, an infectious disease expert at Dow Hospital, noted an increase in patients experiencing cold, cough, and fever. After testing, 25 to 30 percent of these individuals … Read more

African leaders in Beijing target significant financial deals and investments

September 1, 2024 by Sana Fatima

China has provided billions in loans to African nations, Critics accuse Beijing of burdening nations with debt and funding infrastructure projects. African leaders are expected to seek more Chinese investment and more favorable loan terms. This week, African leaders have descended on China’s capital, seeking funds for major infrastructure projects as they navigate the growing … Read more

North Korea plans to reopen borders to foreign tourists by December

August 14, 2024 by Sana Fatima

North Korea plans to resume international tourism to its northeastern city of Samjiyon in December 2024. This move signals the country’s readiness to reopen its borders to larger foreign tourists. Despite this, North Korea has remained largely closed to international tourists since 2020. On Wednesday, tour companies announced that North Korea will resume international tourism … Read more

China’s communist party to address country’s challenges at upcoming meeting

July 15, 2024 by Sana Fatima

The meeting will also focus on immediate measures to counteract a prolonged real estate downturn and persistent malaise. The unclarity of policy direction in China is affecting consumer and investor confidence. The outcome will communicate the future direction of policy to local government officials. China’s ruling Communist Party is beginning a four-day meeting on Monday … Read more

NGO condemns surge in air freight pollution

June 26, 2024 by Sana Fatima

COVID-19 travel restrictions and supply chain disruptions boosted the air freight sector. The pandemic forced industries to shift to air freight for transporting a wider variety of goods. Online commerce has surged from $2.1 trillion in 2019 to $3.6 trillion in 2023. On Wednesday, an environmental pressure group denounced the rising emissions of the air … Read more

WHO Chief urges global countries to seal pandemic deal

May 27, 2024 by Sana Fatima

WHO chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, urges countries to finalize a global agreement. Ghebreyesus praised the negotiators’ dedication and commitment to pushing forward despite misinformation. Despite the missed deadline, countries have expressed a commitment to continue pushing for an accord. On Monday, the World Health Organization chief urged countries to finalize a landmark global agreement on … Read more

CAA starts implementing NCOC guidelines after surge in Covid-19 cases

January 6, 2024 by Abid Khan

KARACHI: Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CCA) has started implementation on the instructions proved by the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) at major airports of the country after surge in Covid-19 cases in certain parts of the world.

These instructions include the screening of 2% of all international flights arriving in Pakistan. The purpose of this screening is to identify and isolate any potential Covid-19 cases among incoming passengers.

Additionally, the airports are required to carry out fumigation of passenger lounges at least once during the day.

This measure aims to ensure a clean and sanitized environment for passengers and staff, reducing the risk of virus transmission.

The airports have been further instructed to provide full cooperation to the Border Health Services staff.

This cooperation includes facilitating their work and ensuring that all necessary protocols and guidelines are followed.

These measures are part of the national efforts to control the spread of Covid-19 and protect public health.

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Pakistan likely to receive Pfizer vaccine from US soon

January 1, 2024 by Abid Khan

Pakistan to get 200,000 doses from US in few days.
300,000 doses of new Pfizer vaccine will also be received soon.
Covid vaccine will be administered to pilgrims and high-risk people.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is likely to receive Pfizer’s new COVID-19 vaccine from the United States(US) in a few days after an increase of new variants in the world.

The federal authorities, the arrival of 200,000 doses of Covid vaccine from the US is expected in a few days and another 300,000 doses of the new Pfizer Covid vaccine will also be received in the same month.

Officials say that Pfizer’s new vaccine is also effective against new variants of Covid-19. The Covid vaccine will be administered to pilgrims and high-risk people.

It should be noted that cases of the new variant of Coronavirus JN1 have been reported in America, the United Kingdom, and India. “There have been deaths in India due to the new variant, while in the United States, admission of people infected with the new variant of Coronavirus has increased”.

Officials said that no cases of the new variant JN1 have been reported in Pakistan so far and the rate of Covid-19 cases in Pakistan is less than one percent.

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UAE Expert claims that Covid-19, flu, RSV vaccines safeguard against ‘tripledemic’

December 20, 2023 by Sana Fatima

Dr. Nawal Al Kaabi, emphasizes the importance of vaccination programs. WHO has classified JN.1, a newly identified Covid-19 variant, as a “variant of interest.” WHO emphasizes that existing vaccines are effective in protecting against severe illness. As winter arrives, the potential threat of a tripledemic—simultaneous outbreaks of COVID-19, the flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)—becomes … Read more

China Earthquake Tragedy: At Least 111 Dead as 6.2 Quake Hits Northwest

December 19, 2023 by Muzzammil Mehboob

A 6.2 earthquake in northwest China killed at least 111 people. Gansu province epicenter; tremors felt in Lanzhou. Over 200 people were injured. China’s official media said on Tuesday that a magnitude 6.2 earthquake in a hilly area of the country’s northwest claimed the lives of at least 111 people. The quake struck just before … Read more

Defending champions Italy to face “Group of Death” at Euro 2024

December 3, 2023 by Muzzammil Mehboob

24 teams will compete in Euro 2024, divided into six groups of four. The defending champion, Italy, is in Group A with Hungary and Switzerland. Germany will open the competition against Scotland on June 14 in Munich. 24 teams, including the defending champion Italy, who are in the “Group of Death” with Spain, Croatia, and Albania, will compete … Read more

China: WHO needs data on pediatric “pneumonia clusters”

November 23, 2023 by Amarta Uqaili

WHO needs data on pediatric “pneumonia clusters.” ProMed has highlighted a surge in flu-like illnesses among children. Chinese authorities attribute the increase in respiratory diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has requested additional information from China regarding reports of “clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia” spreading among children in the northern part of the country. Media reports … Read more

UAE Prepares for Flu Onslaught as Rainy Weather Sweeps In

November 18, 2023 by Aimen Siddiqui

Dubai sees spike in cold and flu cases post-heavy rain. Doctors warn of higher respiratory infection risk due to limited outdoor activities. Children under five and those over 60 most affected. Doctors informed media that there has been a significant surge in cold and flu cases in Dubai, especially among children, attributed to the recent … Read more

Jailed former Malaysian PM Najib Razak in hospital with COVID-19

November 2, 2023 by Amarta Uqaili

Jailed former Malaysian PM Najib Razak in hospital with COVID-19. Over $1 billion was allegedly channeled into accounts associated with Najib. Najib has consistently maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings. Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, who is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence for corruption related to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) state … Read more

President directs varsity to accommodate student who missed course due to COVID-19

October 27, 2023 by Abid Khan

He expressed displeasure university did not timely process her case.
Alvi said there was no reason for university to deviate from HEC’s policy.
He said Air University did not follow recommendations of HEC.

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has asked Air University to reconsider the case of granting one additional year to its female student for completing her degree as she was unable to complete the remaining courses of her BS degree due to suffering from COVID-19.

He expressed displeasure that the University did not timely process her case, despite the fact that Higher Education Commission (HEC)’s Policy and University Regulations provided for remedies to resolve such issues by granting extension.

He said that there was no reason for the University to deviate from HEC’s policy and recommendations, stating that instead of rectifying its maladministration, the University submitted a representation before the President without realizing its implications in respect of public exchequer and wastage of study timeline of its student. He advised the Air University to not let the female student’s devotion, hard work, and money go to waste and take measures to help and guide students, especially in the case of women.

President gave these directions while deciding upon a representation filed by Air University against the order of the Wafaqi Mohtasib directing it to place Ms Iqra Munir’s case before the University Functional Committee (UFC) and reconsider it for allowing her one more year to complete her BS degree.

As per details, Ms Iqra Munir (the complainant) had filed a complaint before the Wafaqi Mohtasib alleging that she was a student of Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Psychology Programme in one of the colleges affiliated with the Air University. According to her, due to Covid pandemic, she could not complete her degree in 2020. She approached the University to allow her for completion of her degree but she was advised to contact HEC for grant of an additional year to complete her studies.

Later, HEC advised that the competent authority of the University may reconsider her case for extension keeping in view her medical history and the provisions already available in HEC Policy and University Regulations. However, after a lapse of one year she was not given the extension. Feeling aggrieved, she approached the Wafaqi Mohtasib, who passed the order in her favour. The University then filed a representation before the President against the order of the Mohtasib.

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President Alvi calls for early detection of breast cancer

October 24, 2023 by Abid Khan

President claimed Pakistan had successfully handled polio disease.
He said now breast cancer awareness drive was being run very effectively.
He said 24% of country’s population was suffering from mental disease.

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi called for disseminating the awareness message about breast cancer from door to door across the country for breast cancer of the disease and reducing the mortality rate.

He said Pakistan had successfully handled the polio disease and that experience also helped the government to successfully cope with COVID-19. Now the breast cancer awareness campaign was being run very effectively.

Addressing a breast caner awareness programme at the Aiwan-e-Sar, the president said awareness about other key health issues, including mental health, stunting, and women health should also be raised along with the breast cancer awareness campaign as it was very important to keep women healthy for a healthy nation.

Highlighting the importance of family system, President Alvi said that a woman was the key member of a family that must be kept healthy, financially empowered, and also safe from any kind of harassment in the society. He said empowering the women economically was linked to the overall economic growth of the country. He said 24% of the country’s population was suffering from mental disease that was due to a number of reasons, including diseases, and financial issues.

President Alvi also stressed the need to control population by increasing the access of the people to long term contraceptive products as it was key to development of the country both in terms of health and economy.

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China raises limits on bankers & govt employees overseas travel

October 17, 2023 by Amarta Uqaili

China raises limits on bankers’ & govt employees’ overseas travel. The individuals who shared this information worked in various capacities. They chose to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the matter. Chinese civil servants and employees of state-linked enterprises are facing more stringent restrictions on personal travel abroad and increased scrutiny of their foreign … Read more

Inflation rate for current fiscal year will remain at 23.6%: IMF

October 10, 2023 by Abid Khan

IMF released World Economic Outlook Report.
This year unemployment is likely to decrease to 8%.
The current account deficit will remain at 1.8% of GDP .

ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has predicted that the inflation rate in Pakistan for the current financial year will be 23.6 percent and the Gross domestic product (GDP) growth is estimated to reach 5 percent by the year 2028.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released the World Economic Outlook Report.

According to the IMF, the economic growth rate of Pakistan will be 2.5 percent for the current fiscal year.

The last financial year’s unemployment rate was 8.5 percent but this year unemployment is likely to decrease to 8 percent while the current account deficit will remain at 1.8 percent of GDP this year.

In the IMF report, it is said that the effects of the Corona epidemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are continuing at the global level.

The IMF says in the report that the global economy continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the cost-of-living crisis. In retrospect, the resilience has been remarkable.

According to the Fund’s latest projections, world economic growth will slow from 3.5 percent in 2022 to 3 percent this year and 2.9 percent next year, a 0.1 percentage point downgrade for 2024 from July. This remains well below the historical average.

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Joe Biden’s travel plans uncertain as Jill Biden signs COVID-19

September 5, 2023September 5, 2023 by Amarta Uqaili

US First Lady Jill Biden has tested positive for COVID-19, while President Joe Biden has received a negative result, as reported by the White House. This development arises just days before President Biden’s planned attendance at the Group of 20 (G20) summit in India. Jill Biden, aged 72, is currently experiencing only mild symptoms and … Read more

Pakistani celebrities spotted at Asim Jofa’s birthday bash

September 3, 2023 by Sana Fatima

The fashion scene in Pakistan has undergone significant growth over the years. He stepped up to contribute to the production of personal protective kits (PPE). Asim Jofa celebrated his birthday in style. The fashion scene in Pakistan has undergone significant growth over the years, boasting a plethora of successful designers and brands that now represent … Read more

PM decides to award “Tamgha-i-Imtiaz” to COVID-19 victims

August 11, 2023 by Mohammad Wasay

PM Shehbaz expressed his deep respect to the COVID-19 victims. PM expressed his deep respect and paid tribute to doctors and frontline healthcare workers. He conveyed his admiration for the families of the deceased medical professionals. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday made the decision to award the “Tamgha-i-Imtiaz” (posthumously) to the martyred doctors and … Read more

President stresses AI importance for healthcare sector

August 10, 2023August 10, 2023 by Abid Khan

He said artificial intelligence (AI) was great hope in health.
Alvi said medical graduate could utilise it for treatment in future .
He said science had brought about an ease in lives of people.

LAHORE: President Dr Arif Alvi emphasised the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the health sector to provide better facilities to people.

Addressing the Instacare Future Health Forum 2023 at a local hotel, he said the AI was a great hope in the health and medicine sectors, and in future, a medical graduate could utilise it for treatment of patients.

The president said now a doctor did not need to save information in his own memory as more data could be saved and accessed through his mobile phone and computer. He cited an example of the COVID-19 pandemic period in which Pakistan successfully used available data and saved several lives. He said that the number of deaths taking place due to COVID-19 was less in the country than in other countries of the region.

He said Pakistan had a good collection of data; however, learning right question through the AI for right answer was important. He added that knowledge was free for everyone now and control over it by anyone had become almost impossible.

He said that Islam stresses the state to work for welfare and betterment of the community. The president said science had brought about an ease in lives of the community, so the AI should also be used for facilitating human beings.

Earlier, the president gave away awards to individuals and institutions, who contributed technology and AI to the healthcare sector.

Punjab Minister for Health and Social Welfare Dr Javed Akram also addressed the participants.

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Sumo wrestlers give up the dohyo for the stage to entertain foreign tourists

July 7, 2023 by Muzzammil Mehboob

Retired sumo wrestlers are now performing for foreign tourists in Tokyo. The shows offer a unique glimpse into Japanese culture and the sport of sumo. The wrestlers are passionate about sharing their love of sumo with other Ohtori fought for victories throughout his two-decade sumo career to advance in the sport of Japan, but today … Read more

Pakistan witnesses upsurge with 150 covid-19 fresh cases

March 24, 2023 by Sarah Siraj

Pakistan witnesses upsurge with 150 covid-19 cases Positivity jumps to 3.58% One death reported while 22 patients are critical ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has been witnessing a continuous upsurge in the covid-19 cases over the past few days and today the active case count stands at 150. The virus has been confirmed in 150 patients after the … Read more

China approved its first Covid-19 mRNA immunization

March 22, 2023 by Raba Noor

Months after the relaxation of strict Covid-zero regulations caused an increase in cases.
China has authorized its first locally developed messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine against Covid-19.
Beijing has rejected approval for the use of mRNA-based vaccines produced by the foreign companies Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.

Months after the relaxation of strict Covid-zero regulations caused an increase in cases, China has authorized its first locally developed messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine against Covid-19, the vaccine’s manufacturer announced on Wednesday.

The vaccine was created by CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. and has been given “emergency use” approval by Beijing’s health authority, according to a statement from the firm.

The company added, without providing more information, that it demonstrated high efficacy in a trial where it was used as a booster shot for individuals who had already received other kinds of vaccines.

mRNA vaccines are regarded as some of the best at preventing fatal diseases and serious illnesses.

mRNA uses small pieces of genetic material that carry instructions telling the body’s cells how to produce a protein, in this case, the spike protein on the coronavirus that causes Covid, whereas conventional vaccines use weakened or inactivated germs to prepare the body for a future attack from the real virus.

The defense system of the body then releases antibodies to combat that spike protein, preparing it for the arrival of the actual coronavirus.

Beijing has rejected approval for the use of mRNA-based vaccines produced by the foreign companies Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.

Its lack of vaccination was generally believed to have contributed to more serious infections and fatalities after lockdowns and requirements for mandatory quarantine were abruptly lifted in December.

CanSino and other Chinese pharmaceutical companies have previously stated they are working on mRNA-based vaccines to close the country’s immunization deficit.

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