Islamabad: Pakistan has started the quarantine of pilgrims returning from Iran where the deadly coronavirus has claimed 12 lives and infected 64 others, it was reported on Tuesday.

Pakistan, which has already sealed its border with Iran, quarantined at least 200 pilgrims near the Taftan border crossing in Balochistan on Monday, The Express Tribune report said.

"We have decided not to take any chance and keep all of them under observation for the next 15 days," Assistant Commissioner Najeebullah Qambrani said.

Provincial Health Secretary Mudassir Malik confirmed between 200 and 250 will remain under observation for the incubation period.

Around 7,000 pilgrims have returned to Pakistan from Iran this month alone, he added.

Pakistan has deployed 67 doctors at its border crossing with Iran to treat suspected patients of the deadly virus, The Express Tribune reported.

It has also declared a "coronavirus emergency" in five districts of the province -- Chagai, Washuk, Panjgur, Kech and Gwadar -- as a pre-emptive measure.