Pakistan Diary: Government deploys army in 16 cities to enforce COVID-19 restrictions

Pak army COVID

Pakistan deploys army into cities to assist in enforcing coronavirus public safety restrictions to contain the pandemic. Source: AAP Image/EPA/ARSHAD ARBAB

The Pakistan government has brought in troops in 16 major cities across the country to assist authorities in enforcing measures meant to contain the spread of the coronavirus, including the wearing of masks in public and the closing of non-essential businesses after 6 pm. Tune into this podcast for a weekly news update from Pakistan.


Prime Minister Imran Khan has deployed the army across the country to help in enforcing COVID-19 restrictions to contain the outbreak, warning the country may soon be facing a crisis similar to that of neighbouring India unless the fresh wave of infections is contained.

"If our circumstances become the same as India, then we will have to close down cities. We really don't want to do that because we know that the poor suffer the most when lockdowns are imposed," Mr Khan said.

 

Click on the player above to listen to the full audio report by Masood Mallhi. 

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Find out what restrictions are in place for your state or territory.

Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.

The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store.

SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at http://www.sbs.com.au/coronavirus

Listen to SBS Punjabi Monday to Friday at 9 pm. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

 


Share
Follow SBS Punjabi

Download our apps
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
Independent news and stories connecting you to life in Australia and Punjabi-speaking Australians.
Understand the quirky parts of Aussie life.
Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
Punjabi News

Punjabi News

Watch in onDemand