Govt closes western borders; shuts down schools, madaris.

ISLAMABAD: The government on Friday decided to close all educational institutions including all public and private schools, universities, vocational institutions and madaris in the country with an immediate effect and till April 5.

A meeting of the National Security Committee chaired by prime Minister Imran Khan also decided to close borders with Iran and Afghanistan for two weeks in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The NSC set up a National Coordination Committee to effectively curb the spread of coronavirus by evaluating the situation on day-to-day basis. The meeting slapped a ban on public gatherings and suspended flight operations from all airports except Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi for international travels. However, seaports would remain operational with increased screening arrangements and surveillance so that trade activities are not be affected.

The NSC had a thorough discussion on evolving situation in the wake of new coronavirus cases in the country and resolved to ensure public safety and well-being, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza told reporters at a press conference here along with SAPMs Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan and Moaeed Yousaf. He said the National Coordination Committee will comprise federal ministers concerned, chief ministers, NDMA chairman, surgeon general of Pakistan, representatives of Inter-Services Intelligence, Inter-Services Public Relations and Directorate of Military Operations, while he would be its convener. The committee will be authorized to include any other stakeholder, if needed, he said, adding it will hold its maiden meeting on Saturday at 4: 30 pm.

Dr Zafar said the evolving situation demanded to form such a high-level body so that the pandemic can be tackled through coordinated efforts after taking unanimous decisions at the national level. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) will be the lead operational agency with the required funds at its disposal, he added.

The meeting decided that all educational/technical institutions, public and private, at all levels will remain closed for three weeks across the country. The entire Western border will be closed for two weeks for all human and commercial traffic. Sost border will also continue to remain closed for two further weeks. The Kartarpur Corridor will be closed for Pakistanis. However, Indian pilgrims will be allowed to continue visiting.

All public gatherings will be banned with immediate effect...