Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the government expects Pakistan's coronavirus cases to peak by the end of July or August.

Addressing the nation, he said: "We already know that the virus will spread, the trend that our experts have observed is that it spreads, then peaks and then the curve flattens. And the purpose behind flattening the curve is to reduce pressure on hospitals. Today, I'm here to tell you that if we follow standard operating procedures and take precautions, we will manage the pandemic.

"Our peak is expected to come in either end of July or August, and then the transmission will reduce. So, today I appeal to you, not for me, for you: Please take precautions for your loved ones, for the elderly and for those who have other ailments including blood pressure and diabetes."

Prime Minister Khan said the entire world has now understood that lockdowns are not a solution for the Covid-19 pandemic.

"When a country imposes lockdown restrictions, the spread of the virus is slowed down. But we must also realize that Pakistan is a poor country and that we had no choice but to reopen the country. The entire world has understood that lockdowns aren't a solution. The United States, which now has the highest number of cases and deaths, has decided to reopen their country with SOPs."

He urged the people to observe the SOPs strictly and take precautions to save the lives of the older and chronic patients at their homes or in the vicinity.

He showed a surgical mask and asked the people to wear the mask all the time while going out so that the spread of the virus can be contained. He said it has been established now worldwide that the use of the mask stops spread of the virus by 50 percent. He urged the people to strictly follow the SOPs as only precautionary measures can help to defeat the coronavirus.

PM Khan said if people strictly follow the SOPs then the spread of the virus could be slow down to give breathing space to frontline workers at the hospitals and managing the patient load.

The prime minister said that 1000 additional ventilators and beds would be added to hospitals in gight against the virus.