Information minister Shibli Faraz has said that people can protect themselves from the coronavirus by following standard operating procedures (SOPs) to curb its spread.

The minister, who himself was not wearing a mask during the press conference in Islamabad, said: "When it rains, you have to hold an umbrella otherwise you will get soaked. Similarly, if you want to avoid getting sick [with Covid-19], you must take the necessary precautions.

"The government can only remind you every so often. It falls upon the people to take responsibility."