“The government has convened the NSC meeting to review the situation arising out of coronavirus in the country. “The forum also discussed emerging situation with regards to COVID-19 and preventive measures taken at army’s level. The decision was taken by the provincial cabinet on Thursday after receiving a briefing on the coronavirus from health officials. In Balochistan, which shares a border with Iran – one of the worst hit countries by the coronavirus – Provincial Minister Yar Mohammad Rind said all schools would remain closed as precautionary measure. We have therefore made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterised as a pandemic,” he told a news conference.

Source: The Express Tribune March 12, 2020 22:07 UTC