The army has been deployed in Pakistan to enforce a strict lockdown to contain the fast spreading of the coronavirus.

The prime minister’s adviser on health, Dr Zafar Mirza, told the media that because of the effective measures taken by the government, the virus outbreak was under control. Pakistan has reported 13,324 cases and 14 deaths.

The Pakistan Army said in a statement: “Troops are assisting the federal and provincial administrations in ensuring enforcement measures for the containment of Covid-19 with focus on public safety. All points of entries being manned and monitored, establishment of joint checkposts and joint patrolling with other law-enforcement agencies being carried out effectively.”

Troops have also been deployed in various parts of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.