Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Raja Jalal Hussain has accepted a summary awarding the late Dr Usama Riaz a civil award for his sacrifices and efforts.
Dr Riaz died while working against coronavirus on the frontline. He was Pakistan’s first doctor to pass away because of the infection, and Pakistan’s fourth death from coronavirus.
He was part of a team of 10 who were charged with screening patients from the rest of the country returning to Gilgit. He also worked with some patients at the isolation centres.
He had a medical emergency in which he tested for coronavirus positive and died on March 22.
On Friday, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider declared the Nishan-e-Kashmir — the highest official award from the state — for Dr Riaz.