Pakistan bans direct flights from Iran over coronavirus fears

Pakistan has banned direct flights from Iran following confirmation of coronavirus cases in the country.

The decision was announced by Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Thursday. The ban will take effect from 12midnight time on the night between February 27 and 28.

According to the CAA, the ban will remain in force until further orders.

The move came as Pakistan confirmed its first cases of the coronavirus in Balochistan on Wednesday.

Also, addressing a news conference in Karachi on Thursday, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah confirmed another case in the city and called upon the Federal Government to ban all the flights from neighbouring Iran.

Hundreds of Pakistani pilgrims travel to Iran for visiting Shia holy places.