COVID-19: Leaked Pakistan document shows experts wanted long lockdown in Punjab province

The report was based on a sample survey done in Lahore, which had 245 deaths through May 15.

Published: 02nd June 2020 02:17 PM  |   Last Updated: 02nd June 2020 02:17 PM   |  A+A A-

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A railway officer checks the body temperature of staff ahead of the resumption of railway service in Pakistan. (Photo | AP)

By Associated Press

LAHORE: A leaked government document reveals authorities ignored experts who wanted a month-long lockdown in Pakistan's Punjab province and who estimated 670,000 might have been infected in the provincial capital of Lahore.

After media published the experts' report Tuesday, residents criticized the government for easing the restrictions last month instead of heeding the recommendation.

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The report was based on a sample survey done in Lahore, which had 245 deaths through May 15.

Since then, Punjab has reported nearly 200 more fatalities related to COVID-19.

The document surfaced hours before Prime Minister Imran Khan relaxed more coronavirus restrictions implemented in March, saying Pakistanis must learn how to live with the virus since lockdowns don't treat the disease.

Pakistan has registered 1,621 fatalities amid 76,398 cases.