QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani has expressed serious concern over the rising number of coronavirus cases in the province.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the chief minister said the new wave of Covid-19 was very dangerous.

“The third wave of coronavirus has engulfed the whole world and the situation is worsening in Balochistan as the people are not taking the disease seriously,” he said.

Mr Alyani said the India-like situation could not be ruled out in Pakistan because people did not observe the standard operating procedures (SOPs).

“The current situation is very critical and we should not take it lightly. There is fear in the people but they are not careful,” he said.

“If the people do not follow the SOPs, the government will take drastic measures. In the current situation, there is a risk of a complete lockdown.”

The chief minister said the people should take precautions to avoid the lockdown and its economic consequences. He directed the commissioners and deputy commissioners to ens­ure implementation of SOPs and asked them to take strict action against people who did not wear facemasks and ensue social distancing.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2021