ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser on Thursday became the highest government functionary to test positive for the novel coronavirus. "My coronavirus test has returned positive. I have quarantined myself in my house," Qaiser announced in a tweet.

He urged the nation to take precautions and sought their prayers. Geo.tv reported that Qaiser's son and daughter have also tested positive for the virus.

His announcement comes three days after Sindh Governor Imran Ismail, who like Qaiser belongs to the ruling PTI, tested positive for Covid-19.

Both Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani and Senate Deputy Chairman Saleem Mandviwalla made telephone calls to the National Assembly speaker to inquire after his health. They prayed for his early recovery.

Mandviwalla also inquired after the health of his son and daughter. Qaiser is the latest politician to have contracted the virus that has so far infected more than 16,000 people across Pakistan and killed 361.