The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has decided to relax coronavirus restrictions in cities with high vaccination rates from November 1, according to a statement issued by the forum.

After reviewing the pandemic situation, the forum has termed the vaccination progress in Islamabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Gilgit and Mirpur — where at least 60 per cent of the population has been completely inoculated — "excellent".

Similarly, the vaccination progress in Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Peshawar, Skardu, Hunza, Bagh, Ghizer, Kharmang and Bhimber — where 40pc t0 60pc of the population has been vaccinated — has been declared "good".

In the remaining cities, where less than 40pc of the population is vaccinated, the vaccination progress has been termed "low".

The NCOC has decided to lift non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) in cities with excellent vaccination progress. Intracity and inter-district transport has also been allowed to operate at full seating capacity in these cities.

In the rest of the cities, transport is allowed at 80pc seating capacity and NPIs remain in place.

The new NCOC guidelines will be effective from November 1 to November 15.