KARACHI, Pakistan
Pakistan on Friday extended until May 9 the ongoing lockdown aimed at stemming the fast-increasing coronavirus cases in the country.
Asad Umar, Minister for Planning and Development, announced the decision taken by the National Coordination Committee, a government body formed to deal with the coronavirus crisis which was chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan.
“The coming few weeks are crucial [concerning the coronavirus outbreak]. That’s why the government has decided to further extend the lockdown,” said Umar, who is also the head of the government’s anti-COVID-19 campaign.
Last month, Pakistan had imposed a countrywide lockdown closing down shops,