Pakistan extends coronavirus lockdown, some industries to reopen in phases

Business & Finance
14 Apr 2020 • 8:55 PM MYT
Malay Mail
Malay Mail

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Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has extended the lockdown for another two weeks. — Reuters pic

ISLAMABAD, April 14 — Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan today announced a two-week extension to the nationwide shutdown to curb the Covid-19 spread, but said some industries would reopen in phases.

The first industry to reopen would be construction, Khan said in a televised address to the nation.

“That lockdown, those restrictions on gatherings will continue for another two weeks,” Khan said.

Pakistan, which has already completed a three week lockdown, has reported 5,716 cases with 96 deaths.

The World Bank has warned that Pakistan is expected to fall into recession in fiscal 2020/21. Khan has sought debt relief from international lenders to combat the pandemic. — Reuters