State health minister Zafar Mirza says while it is true to some extent that Pakistan has fewer coronavirus cases and a lower death rate than projected by experts, it is not a reason for citizens to become lax.

He said the restrictions imposed by the government on large gatherings and social contact had an effect on the infection rate, "but if people think we don't need those preventive measures and we don't need social distancing, it would be a very big mistake".