A protocol officer of Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has passed away due to COVID-19 last night in Lahore.

According to media reports, the officer named Hamid Raza had been under treatment at the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) after contracting the virus.

“Hamid Raza was a hard-working, dutiful and professional officer. He discharged his duties sincerely,” said CM Buzdar (as quoted by ARY News).

Pakistan reported 4,974 new positive cases of coronavirus with 98 new deaths across the country in the past 24 hours, according to National Command and Operation Center (NCOC).