Politicos, journalists react to PM Imran Khan testing positive for coronavirus

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday tested positive for the coronavirus, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Faisal Sultan announced via a tweet. 

As soon as the news broke, people across Pakistan put out messages praying for the prime minister's speedy recovery. 

Here's a look at some of the reactions: 

PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, taking to Twitter, wished the premier a speedy recovery from coronavirus.

PML-N's secretary-general Ahsan Iqbal, wishing a swift recovery, urged politicians to exercise precaution amid the third wave.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi prayed for the good health of PM Imran Khan. 

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Zaidi, while reacting to the news, was confident that the PM will recover and be "back to work in a flash".   

Ministe for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry prayed for PM Imran Khan's recovery on behalf of the people of Pakistan. "The people of Pakistan are praying for their beloved leader. May God grant him a quick recovery. Aameen," he wrote.

PTI Senator Faisal Javed Khan, a close aide of PM Imran, said a prayer for his quick recovery and announced that the premier's planned interaction with the public will now be rescheduled. 

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, while praying for the recovery of the PM, urged people to "be extra careful and strictly follow safety protocols".

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Finance Taimur Jhagra prayed for the recovery of the PM as well, saying "this country needs you".

Balochistan Government spokesperson Liaquat Shahwani also prayed for the recovery of the PM. "Get well soon prime minister," he said.

Social activist Jibran Nasir urged the government to immediately hold a press conference on "situation". 

Senior journalist Mazhar Abbas said that he knows PM Imran Khan to be a "fighter" and expressed confidence that he will "surely defeat COVID-19 as well".

"All prayers for you Kaptan," he wrote.

Journalist Hamid Mir prayed for PM Imran Khan and all coronavirus patients all over the world.

Veteran journalist and former editor of Dawn, Abbas Nasir, prayed for the prime minister to "heal quickly".

Journalist Amber Rahim Shamsi also extended prayers for the premier's speedy recovery.

Journalist Talat Hussain called the news "big" and prayed for the recovery of the PM. 

Anchor Adil Shahzeb prayed for the smooth and swift recovery for PM Imran Khan.

Former PPP senator Osman Saifullah wished the prime minister a speedy recover. 

PPP leader Farhatullah Babar called it unfortunate that people were linking the PM's test result over ineffectiveness of vaccine. 

Even former cricketers came out to pray for the speedy recovery of PM Imran Khan. 

Former captain Shahid Afridi says that PM Imran Khan's news reminds the people that the coronavirus can hit our homes.

West Indies batsman Sherfane Rutherford while praying for PM Imran said that the cricketer-turned politician was an "ideal player" for him.

Actor Humayun Saeed also took to Twitter to pray for Prime Minister Imran Khan's speedy recovery.

Senior journalist Asma Shirazi also took to Twitter and prayed that the premier recovers from the infection.

Similarly, analyst Mehmal Sarfraz also prayed for PM Imran Khan's recovery.