Azad Kashmir recorded the first death of a doctor in the coronavirus pandemic as Dr Ikhlaq breathed his last at PIMS, Islamabad on Friday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The deceased healthcare professional was working at the DHQ Hospital Kotli as a medical specialist. He was infected by the deadly virus two weeks ago and later shifted to the federal capital’s top hospital due to his worsening condition.

According to family sources, Dr Ikhlaq is survived by a widow and four children. His final prayers would be offered in his native area of Kotli.

In an earlier report published on Thursday, Gulf News said a total of 58 healthcare professionals had so far died in Pakistan.

According to the newspaper, 42 doctors, 13 paramedics and support staff, two nurses and one medical student were among the casualties.

The data shows Sindh reported most of these deaths where 22 healthcare providers had lost their lives. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported 11 deaths followed by 10 in Punjab, seven in Balochistan, five in Islamabad and three in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Official data shows the virus was found in at least 5,367 healthcare workers as of June 30. “Of these, 2,798 have recovered while 2,569 are still under treatment or in self-isolation and 240 are hospitalised,” Gulf News reported.

But it was Khyber Pakhtunkhwa the infection rate among the healthcare professionals was highest with 1,809 cases being reported. The figures for the other regions were: Sindh 1,397, Punjab 1,100, Islamabad 451, Balochistan 422, Gilgit-Baltistan 105 and Azad Kashmir 83.