Federal govt extends lockdown in country for 15 days

• The decision has been taken during the National Coordination Committee meeting which was held in Islamabad under the chair of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
• Asad says the lockdown will remain in effect till May 9.
• There will be no load-shedding during Sehar and Iftar timings, says planning minister.

(Karachi) The federal government has decided to extend lockdown in the country for 15 days in wake of the coronavirus pandemic. He added the restrictions will continue till May 9.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Friday, Planning Minister Asad Umar said the decision has been taken during the National Coordination Committee meeting which was held in Islamabad under the chair of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

He said the provincial governments will  decide on their own regarding extension in lockdown.

He said that the Ehsaas programme will continue during Ramazan. "At least Rs69 billion have been distributed among deserving people under the Ehsaas programme."

He pointed out there will be no load-shedding during Sehar and Iftar timings.

Umar said that the Pak Army is assisting the civilian administration in countering the COVID-19 situation.

He said, "The month of Ramazan will be decisive and if succeeded in reinforcing restrictions, situation could get better after Eid."