ISLAMABAD, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan imposed a complete ban on public gatherings nationwide on Sunday in strengthened efforts to counter its third wave of COVID-19, according to a statement from the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC).

All kinds of gatherings, indoor or outdoor, will be banned with immediate effect, said the statement, adding that the ban covers all social, cultural, political, sports and other events.

There will also be a complete ban on marriage functions, indoor or outdoor, from April 5. However, provinces will be at liberty to implement restrictions in early time frame as per the situation on ground, said the statement.

Amid a rising number of coronavirus cases, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday urged citizens to strictly follow the standard operating procedures relating to COVID-19 as the country cannot afford a complete lockdown.

The third wave of COVID-19 infections is more severe than the previous ones, therefore Pakistanis should strictly adhere to the health guidelines, including wearing a mask and avoiding gatherings, Khan said in a televised message.

According to data released by the NCOC on Sunday, 4,767 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported in Pakistan in the last 24 hours, taking the country's total tally to 654,591 with 14,215 deaths. Enditem

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