Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar has said that the need for safety precautions is greater than ever.

"Global Covid-19 cases exceeding 750,000 per day and deaths more than 13,000. We are seeing some of the worst numbers since the pandemic started. Our neighborhood [is] in severe crises. Daily deaths in Iran [are] more than 300 and more than 1600 in India," he said.

"Hospital fill up continuing to grow. Critical care patients now above 4,500, which is 30 per cent higher than peak in June last year. Oxygen supply capacity in the country is now under stress," he said, adding the compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) remains low.

"We are making a huge mistake by not following SOPs."