KARACHI, February 23: Pakistan has closed its Taftan border with Iran, stopping movement of people in light of the outbreak of Coronavirus in Iran, a report claimed on Sunday.
A large number of pilgrims visit Iran from Pakistan via the Taftan border crossing. Authorities have sealed the border, introduced screening procedures and increased patrolling.
Iran on Saturday ordered the closure of schools, universities and cultural centres after the number of people infected with the deadly virus rose to 28 with five fatal cases.
Mir Zia Ullah Langove, Home Minister of southwestern Balochistan province told Arab News that Prime Minister Imran Khan had assured the Balochistan government of help.
The decision comes a day after Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan announced that an emergency had been imposed in the province due to the outbreak of the virus in Iran. However, flights to and from Iran have not been suspended, confirmed an official of the Civil Aviation Authority Pakistan (CAAP).
“The staff of health ministry is already present at the airports and a passenger is allowed entry only after clearance of health declaration,” he said. The official further said that flights to and from China had not been suspended hence it was likely that the same won’t be done in the case of Iran. -Agencies
