Balochistan govt bans public entry into Civil Secretariat.

QUETTA -- Balochistan government on Saturday imposed Section 144 across the province, banning all gatherings of 10 or more people amid fear of spread of the coronavirus due to human contact.

'The Government of Balochistan has imposed a ban on gathering of 10 or more than 10 persons... with immediate effect for a period of one month,' said a notification issued by the Home and Tribal Affairs Department of the Government of Balochistan.

According to the notification, there is also a ban on sit-ins and procession, rallies at public places, markets and hotels/restaurants and on wedding parties, sports gathering, cinemas, educational gatherings, conferences and seminars.

Chief Minister Balochistan Jam Kamal on Friday also issued directives to ban entry of outsiders in government departments in order to control spread of coronavirus.

According to the advisory, nobody except government employees would be allowed to enter the Civil Secretariat in Quetta. Similarly, no one will be allowed to visit prisoners in jails across the province. Only one person would be allowed to stay with a patient at hospitals.

Balochistan government's spokesperson Liaquat Shahwani said the provincial government would take strict actions against the pilgrims and traders trying to escape screening test before entering Pakistan from neighboring countries - Iran and Afghanistan - through Balochistan border.

He said around 4,400 pilgrims had come from Iran - a country worst affected by the contagious flu like disease. 'The persons infected with coronavirus were kept in quarantines and isolation wards for 14 days until they were pronounced healthy,' he added.

He said border forces were directed to remain on high alert for screening of every person coming to Pakistan. Special teams...