Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday, a day after returning from London where he met with his elder brother and party chief Mian Nawaz Sharif and held consultations over the appointment of the next chief of army staff (COAS).

Sharif had extended his stay in London by two days, sparking speculations back in Pakistan that the PMLN leadership was revisiting its decision on the appointment of the next COAS. No name has been announced so far, but the party has said that the most senior general will be handed over the command of the Pakistan Army.

After his return, Sharif was expected to hold meetings with allies over the key appointment which continues to overshadow the country’s political scene. Former premier Imran Khan has repeatedly been raising objections to the fact that the selection is being made in consultation with Nawaz Sharif, whom he calls “an abscondor.”

The update on Shehbaz Sharif’s health was provided by Information Ministre Marriyum Aurangzeb in a tweet Tuesday noon.

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has tested corona positive. He was unwell for two days. The corona test was done today on the advice of the doctor. The public and the workers are requested to pray for the speedy recovery of the Prime Minister,” she said.

This is the third time in a year the premier has tested positive for the coronavirus, after contracting the virus in Januray and June.