Two MNAs test positive for coronavirus ahead of NA session

ISLAMABAD: Two members of the lower house of the Parliament have been diagnosed with the coronavirus on Sunday. Syed Mahmood Shah and Gul Zafar Khan tested positive for the corona infection.

According to sources, National Institute of Health has taken test of the more than 150 MNAs and senators on May 8. The test was made mandatory for the members of the both houses of the parliament to attend the session of National Assembly and Senate session slated for May 11 and May 12 respectively.

Source says parliament secretariat didn’t receive the complete result yet but the initial report revealed that two MNAs and an employee of the parliament tested positive for corona. Syed Mahmood Shah, 55, is elected from Balochistan on Mutahida Majlis-e-Amal’s tickets while Gulzafar Khan, 40,  is the PTI MNA from Bajaur.

An officer of Parliament House namely Zafar Yab Khan, 47, is also tested positive for Covid-19, sources confirmed.

The participation of the lawmakers in the proceedings has been interlinked with undergoing a coronavirus test prior.

The Senate session has been convened by Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani on a requisition submitted by the opposition a day after the government announced summoning the National Assembly session on May 11.

The opposition members were seeking discussion on the situation related to coronavirus and its impact on the country’s economy.

No individual will be allowed to accompany the senators to the Parliament House, while only one person will be allowed to accompany ministers and state ministers.

Only one officer of grade-20 or above from the relevant ministry or division will be required to ensure presence in the galleries.

All individuals entering the Parliament House will also go through thermal gun screening.