Novel coronavirus has wreaked havoc worldwide in the past few months and Pakistan is no exception. Especially for the past couple of weeks now, the number of casualties is really on a rise here. Yesterday, another sad news came from Sindh as the provincial Minister for Human Settlement Haji Ghulam Murtaza Baloch passed away due to the viral disease.

The news of his demise was confirmed by Senator Murtaza Wahab who is a spokesperson for the Sindh government. He tweeted this yesterday:

https://twitter.com/murtazawahab1/status/1267825067427131392?s=19

Haji Baloch who had been a Member of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh, from September 2016 to June 2020 contracted the virus in early May, he took a test for COVID-19 which came back positive on May 14. He had announced his diagnosis on Twitter and asked for prayers for a speedy recovery.

https://twitter.com/HMurtazaBaloch/status/1260963993067425792?s=19

He quarantined himself in his home but a few days later his symptoms worsen and he was taken to the hospital. On May 23rd, he was shifted to the ICU of a private hospital in Karachi after his health started to deteriorate rapidly. After battling for his life for almost ten days he finally lost the battle yesterday.

Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah expressed his sadness over the passing of his cabinet member in these words:

"Heavy heart after losing friend and colleague Haji Murtaza Baloch to #COVIDー19. May Almighty Allah rest him in peace. Murtaza will always be remembered for his dedication towards his work & his unwavering loyalty towards the Party. I will miss his ever smiling face dearly. "