The number of confirmed cases in Pakistan has now crossed China, as the nationwide tally reached 85,264.

China, where the virus is said to have emerged, has recorded 84,160 cases so far, according to John Hopkins University.

According to a report by AP, the spike comes after Prime Minister Imran Khan eased lockdown restrictions despite experts' recommendations to maintain them to prevent the spread of the virus.

Authorities have blamed people not adhering to social distancing regulations for the growing outbreak.