Islamabad: According to the news sources, the National Coordination Committee (NCC) has decided to extend the nationwide lockdown instituted for the protection against the coronavirus till April 14.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan chaired the NCC meeting but the decision was conveyed to the media by the Minister for Planning Asad Umar. Special Assistant on National Security Moeed Yusuf and Special Assistant on National Health Services Dr. Zafar Mirza were also present during the media briefing.
Asad Umar told the media that all kinds of domestic flights will remain suspended till April 11. He also said that the decision to further extend the lockdown beyond April 14 would be decided in the next NCC Meeting. He also clearly stated that the transportation of food items had been exempted from this rule and that medicine stores would also remain open across the four provinces.
When questioned about the return of nationals stuck in different countries, the Special Assistant Yusuf said that they will be flown back to the country through several Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) that are scheduled from April 3 to April 11 and they will be tested and screened for the coronavirus.