GB medic praised for laying life in anti-virus fight

Islamabad: The US and France have praised Pakistani doctors over the death of a young Pakistani doctor, Dr Osama Riaz, while treating coronavirus patients.

Dr Osama Riaz, who was tasked with screening people returning to Gilgit-Baltistan from abroad and other parts of the country, tested positive for the virus. He is the first Pakistani doctor to die from coronavirus.

In a statement, senior US diplomat Alice Wells saluted all 'brave medical workers across South and Central Asia, who are risking their lives to help the sick and keep everyone safe'. She said the US stood with Pakistan in the country’s fight against the novel coronavirus.

"Saddened to hear of the death of Dr Usama Riaz, who was on the frontlines of the fight against Covid-19 in Pakistan. The US stands with you,” she said. Also, French Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Marc Baréty condoled the death of Dr Osama.

"Our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Dr Osama Riaz who died of serving coronavirus patients in Gilgit-Baltistan. His death reminds us of our hero medics fighting this pandemic on the frontline all around the world," he tweeted.