Entry of tourists in Malakand division banned for 15 days

PESHAWAR: The KP government on Wednesday banned entry of tourists in Malakand division, including Chitral, for 15 days starting from March 18.

The decision was taken in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak in the world, including Pakistan.

A notification issued from the office of the commissioner Malakand division said all hotels providing residential facilities in the area would also remain closed during the period. The situation would be reviewed after a fortnight to extend the ban or lift it.

On Wednesday, 249 confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported from different parts of Pakistan. As many as 180 of them from Sindh, 26 in Punjab, 19 in KP, 16 in Balochistan, five in Gilgit-Baltistan/AJK and two in Islamabad.

In another precautionary move, the KP government banned entry of the public in all government offices while tourist spots along rivers were ordered to be vacated. Besides, all restaurants and other eateries will remain closed till April 5.