As coronavirus cases remain unchecked in Pakistan, authorities in the country have decided to close the land borders with Afghanistan and Iran for pedestrians, reported Dawn. However, Pakistanis living in the two countries would be allowed to return. 

"Inbound pedestrian movement would cease with effect from midnight 4/5 May (0001 PST) with exception to Pakistani nationals in Afghanistan and Iran desirous to return and extreme medical emergency cases etc," the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC), the body managing the COVID-19 crisis in Pakistan, announced. 

“The policy will remain in effect till midnight 19/20 May and will be applicable only to inbound pedestrians with no effect on existing cargo/trade (bilateral/Afghan transit trade) movement,” reads the directive issued from the NCOC. 

The highest crisis body has also decided to increase the number of staff engaged in testing coronavirus cases in the high-density areas in the country.
 
This came after the country, in the past few weeks, increased restrictions, including a ban on intercity and inter-provincial movement. The government also suspended classes. 

Taking to Twitter, the NCOC shared a media report, claiming India ignored warning signs and is now struggling. It asked Pakistanis to strictly adhere to all strict mobility control measures.