(Karachi) Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood has said that there are no plans to close educational institutions across the country despite rising coronavirus cases, media reported on Wednesday.

In a statement, Shafqat said that the Pakistan is witnessing second wave of coronavirus and the health ministry is monitoring the developments.

He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan had chaired the session of National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) where the participants reviewed the COVID-19 testing capacity in educational institutions.

He maintained that educational institutions could not be closed in the current situation. The minister said that the country fought the pandemic and produced exemplary results to curb COVID-19 as compared to the other nations.

He stated that a final decision on closure of educational institutes will be taken tomorrow (November 5).

Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Imran Khan rejected the closure of businesses, schools and industries again in view of rising novel coronavirus cases.

The PM said that there is a need to strictly implement standard operating procedures (SOPs), however, the federal government will not shut businesses, schools and industries again. He had ruled out possibilities to impose lockdown in the country.

He added that the government managed to stabilise the national economy after making efforts. The premier directed making nationals aware of the precautionary measures.