Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered opening of the Pak-Afghan border in Chaman to support Afghan “brothers and sisters” as the region feels the pinch of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
“Despite global pandemic of COVID 19, we remain committed to supporting our Afghan brothers & sisters,” PM Imran said in a tweet on Friday. “I have given instructions to open the Chaman-Spinboldak border & let trucks crossover into Afghanistan. In time of crisis, we remain steadfast with Afghanistan,” the PM added.
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The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Pakistan on Friday rose to 454.
Meanwhile, the interior ministry announced the closure of some major public dealing offices and businesses for 15 days starting Friday as part of the measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Earlier of this month, the interior ministry in its notification said the border will remain close for one week starting Monday i.e. March 2.
The move came after Kabul confirmed its first case of the coronavirus.
The federal government had installed automatic thermal scanners at major airports across the country amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.
The Ministry of National Health Services in collaboration with the Aviation Division installed the scanners at the New Islamabad International Airport, Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport and the Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar.
