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Sudan Fears Major Surge in COVID-19 Cases

A Sudanese man wearing a face mask as a protection against the coronavirus walks in the center of the capital Khartoum, March 15, 2020. (DPA)
A Sudanese man wearing a face mask as a protection against the coronavirus walks in the center of the capital Khartoum, March 15, 2020. (DPA)
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Sudan Fears Major Surge in COVID-19 Cases

A Sudanese man wearing a face mask as a protection against the coronavirus walks in the center of the capital Khartoum, March 15, 2020. (DPA)
A Sudanese man wearing a face mask as a protection against the coronavirus walks in the center of the capital Khartoum, March 15, 2020. (DPA)

Sudan announced 56 COVID-19 deaths in its first report after it entered the second virus wave, raising death toll in the country to 1,175 coronavirus since the epidemic began, according to the World Health Organization.

It also reported 15,047 coronavirus cases and 9,600 recoveries.

However, several press reports cast doubt over the official announced figures and said the actual number of infections is higher.

Also, the Ministry of Finance announced that acting Finance Minister Heba Mohamed has been infected and be quarantined at home.

Last week, Sudanese Minister of Health Osama Abdelrahim contracted COVID-19 along with two directors in his ministry.

Moreover, two of the Sudanese prime minister's close associates and the president of the central bank tested positive for the virus.

Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok's senior advisor, Al-Sheikh Khedr, and his office manager, Ali Bakheet, have tested positive as well. Notably, the latter has recovered.

Sudan’s National Umma Party announced that its leader Sadiq al-Mahdi tested positive for the virus and is receiving treatment along with 21 of his family members and party leaders.

The Sudanese Ministry of Health warned of the sharp rise in infections during the second wave of the pandemic. It stressed the importance of wearing face masks and abiding by social distancing, in addition to sterilizing and washing hands.

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Arab World

Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
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Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.