MM News

QUETTA: Balochistan government today (Monday) has imposed a complete ban on all sorts of congregations amid a surge in new COVID-19 infections.

Addressing a press conference in Quetta, the government’s spokesperson Liaquat Shahwani said the number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the province have quadrupled, forcing them to impose a ban on all kinds of gatherings.

The spokesperson said the government would take strict action against the people violating the ban. Shedding light on COVID-19 situation, Shahwani said the rate of coronavirus cases had increased among women.

“The movement of people on Balochistan’s border is being restricted,” he said, adding, “We have directed the commissioners to make oxygen cylinders available in the divisions.”

Liaquat Shahwani further said that Pakistanis in Afghanistan and Iran can return home, but they will be tested for coronavirus upon arrival. Meanwhile, taking over the presser, DIG Quetta said the Youm-e-Ali processions would not be allowed to take place.

Earlier, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) imposed a ban on Youm-e-Ali processions while it said majalis would be permitted under strict SOPs which are already in place for Ramadan.

“Keeping in view the risk factor due to the ongoing surge in COVID-19 spread across the country and particularly in major urban centres, it was decided to ban all sort of processions while holding of Majalis has been permitted under strict COVID SOPs which are already in place for Ramazan ul Mubarik,” read an NCOC statement.