Trade activities suspended, as Pak-Iran border closed amid coronavirus scare

• Trucks carrying malta and other perishable items are present at the border.
• Transporters fear that if border is not opened soon, the perishable items are at risk of rot.

Cross border trade activities have been suspended due to the closure of Pak-Iran border, it was learnt on Monday.

The suspension of trade activities comes after Pakistan on Sunday closed its land border with Iran, as fears across the region continued to grow over a jump in new coronavirus infections.

Long rows of vehicles remain stranded on both sides of the border. Whereas, no freight car is allowed to cross borders, authorities informed.

Trucks carrying malta and other perishable items are present at the border. Transporters fear that if border is not opened soon, the perishable items are at risk of rot.

Earlier on Sunday, Iran reported eight deaths from the novel coronavirus, the highest toll of any country outside China.

The ongoing coronavirus health scare has killed more than 2,400 people, with about 80,000 infected globally, though China remains by far the worst hit.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan national carrier PIA has suspended its flights to China till March 15. Pia has said that it would resume flight operations keeping the situation in view. So far, no cases have been confirmed in Pakistan.