QUETTA: A spokesperson for the Balochistan government has expressed serious concern over an increase in Covid-19 cases in Balochistan, saying the second wave of the pandemic seems to be more fatal and deadly as during the past two weeks five deaths were reported in the province.

Speaking at a press conference here on Tuesday, Liaquat Shahwani said that Covid-19 cases were increasing with every passing day.

He said experts were terming the second wave of Covid-19 alarming and more dangerous which would badly affect the people if they did not follow SOPs issued by the government.

He said Prime Minister Imran Khan had expressed concern over the second wave of the pandemic as Covid-19 cases were increasing across the country. The fatality rate has also increased in the second wave.

He said that in view of the present situation the prime minister had suggested imposing a ban on public gatherings. Not more than 300 persons should be permitted to attend a marriage ceremony.

Mr Shahwani called upon political parties to postpone their public meetings. He said the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and Balochistan Awami Party had already cancelled their public gatherings, although preparations for a grand public meeting in Turbat had been finalised.

In reply to a question, he said suggestions for closing schools and markets were under consideration and decisions in this regard would be taken in the next meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee of the cabinet. However, he said, the Balochistan government had expressed its desire not to close educational institutions before time.

Mr Shahwani, while criticising opposition parties’ processions, claimed that the number of Covid-19 cases was increasing in the country after public meetings of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM).

He said the Balochistan government had already warned before the PDM’s Quetta meeting that Covid-19 cases might increase after the public gathering. He said the recovery ratio in Covid-19 patients in Balochistan was 99 per cent, but it had now moved down to 90pc.

According to him, developed countries are going towards imposition of curfews after an increase in Covid-19 cases.

Published in Dawn, November 18th, 2020