MM News

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan recorded 3,667 new cases of COVID-19 and 44 more deaths and were reported across the country during the last twenty-four hours amid rising concerns that a lockdown is on the anvil.

According to the latest statistics from National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), the total number of cases from the novel coronavirus has surged to 626,802. The death toll from the virus has reached 13,843 as the situation worsens across the country.

The are 31,107 active cases in the country while 2,900 people remain in critical condition. A total of 41,960 tests were conducted across the country during this period. The positivity ratio was recorded at 8.7 percent during the past day.

The situation has worsened in Punjab which has 14,504 active cases. The province has recorded 197,177 cases while the death toll has reach 5,974. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has 4,926 active case while the total number of recorded cases has reached 79,245 and 2,208 deaths.

The federal capital Islamabad is one of the worst affect as there are 5,490 active case. The total number of case have surpassed 51,414 while there have been 543 deaths.

Minister for Interior Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed has said the government may impose strict restrictions and smart lockdown in the coming days. He clarified there is no plan for an immediate lockdown in Islamabad and any decision will be taken on the recommendation of the NCOC.

As reports began to circulate of a nationwide lockdown, Rasheed issued a video statement to set the record straight. He said that he had responded to media reports and said the government may consider imposing smart lockdown.

He added that the decision, in any case, will be taken by the NCOC and does not fall under the purview of the interior ministry.