Balochistan Education Minister Sardar Yar Mohammad Rind has said that all schools in the province will remain closed for further 15 days till March 31 as a precautionary measure against the spread of coronavirus.

He said: "Action will be taken against schools who do not comply with the decision. [The decision] has been taken after consultation with the health ministry.

"Matric exams have been postponed. We are in talks with to shut madrassahs as well. The next decision regarding [opening educational institutions will be taken on March 27."

However, the Balochistan Private Schools Grand Alliance has rejected the decision to close schools for another 15 days. Spokesperson for the group Nazar Baraech said that this process is termed as "hostile action".