Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar, in a letter to all the federating units, has urged them to "ensure employment of all administrative tools for across the board implementation of NCOC's (National Command and Operation Centre) instructions", especially those related to political and social gatherings.

"Violations of NCOC instructions, specifically in political and social gatherings have been observed. Apart from contributing to disease spread, these violations are obstructing effective enforcement of SOPs in other sectors too and sending wrong signals to the general public," Umar wrote in the letter.

He pointed out that all the federating units had "performed well" during the first and second waves of the pandemic but the enforcement of SOPs had "remained weak" during the third wave.

"I am sure that we will be able to thwart further spread of this contagion with concerted efforts," he added.

Opinion

Editorial

Yemen offensive
Updated 04 Oct, 2026

Yemen offensive

The best option, therefore, is for Muslim and Arab states to help restore the Saudi-Houthi ceasefire.
Growth transition
04 Oct, 2026

Growth transition

PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent call to move from stabilisation to growth, job creation and export ...
Protection at risk
04 Oct, 2026

Protection at risk

THE recent warning from UNHCR should alarm donor governments. Nearly 8.3m refugees and other forcibly displaced...
Talks, at last
Updated 03 Oct, 2026

Talks, at last

The government’s constant threats to suspend KP’s elected dispensation over a political protest have escalated hostilities considerably. In that context, both sides did well to start talking.
IWT’s future
Updated 03 Oct, 2026

IWT’s future

TOGETHER with the Kashmir dispute, India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty has become the biggest...
Pained minds
03 Oct, 2026

Pained minds

IN Pakistan, mental healthcare is wedged between two extremes — a luxury or a stigma. Estimates cited by the...