Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar has expressed concerns over rising cases of COVID-19, saying that the government has started imposing smart lock down again to contain spread of the pandemic.

In a tweet on Sunday, he said during previous six weeks, the average positivity ratio of COVID was under two percent, however in the outgoing week, the positivity rate went above two percent.

Asad Umar said in order to avoid the increase in coronavirus cases in the country, the government has already imposed mini smart lock down in Islamabad, Karachi, and Azad Kashmir.

He said the administration has also been directed to ensure protective measures across the country.

The minister urged people to cooperate with government in eradication of the pandemic because success is not possible without cooperation of the public.