Gilgit Baltistan's focal person for coronavirus Dr Shah Zaman has warned that the coronavirus situation in the region can get "out of control" if the Centre and provinces do not cooperate on enforcing standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to tourism.

Dr Zaman said at least 150 cars carrying tourists were entering in the region daily, adding that 95 per cent of the tourists did not have their lab reports with them. "Because of this, we have started random testing at entry points. Associations of hotel owners are interfering and raising objections to this which is making it difficult to control the spread of corona.

"The health department has very limited resources to combat corona. If this irresponsible practice continues, it can create a concerning situation," he said.

He further said that an "emergency meeting" had been called tomorrow to decide on an "effective policy".

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...