ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Islamabad on Wednesday imposed stringent measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus after the number of cases in the city was increasing.
By the evening, the total number of cases in Punjab and Sindh reached 312 and 413, respectively. Balochistan and KP have 119, 117 cases, respectively, whereas Islamabad has reported 16 cases so far. In Azad Jammu Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan region, they have 81 cases of the deadly virus so far.
Also, three Pakistani reporters have tested positive for coronavirus, it has been revealed.
As the last resort, the government on Monday summoned the Pakistan Army under Article 245 to assist the civilian administrations across the country in keeping the citizens indoors. In addition to it, the provincial governments have also imposed complete and partial lockdowns to minimize social interaction.
In Karachi, the police claimed to have arrested at least 119 people by the evening, registering 29 cases for the violation of Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure in the wake of the government’s lockdown orders.
On Tuesday, President Dr Arif Alvi urged law enforcers to avoid arresting people for minor violations of restrictions.
The president posted on microblogging website Twitter and also requested police, rangers and armed forces to implement social distancing on the streets. He also asked volunteers who are taking part in social, political and religious groups to serve in any campaign to keep a distance.
