Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan has said that the coronavirus pandemic cannot be brought under control by imposing restrictions on travelling.

However, he added that passengers travelling to Pakistan must undergo a Covid-19 test 24 hours before their planned journey.

The prime minister's spokesperson said this while on Aaj News morning show Aaj Pakistan.

Ruling out the possibility of lockdown in the country despite a sharp increase in Covid cases, Dr Sultan said the coronavirus condition in Pakistan was "under control" and he was keeping a close eye on the Covid rate. "If the pandemic spreads, the decision will be taken accordingly," he said, adding the preventive measures would be taken in the areas that would be affected by the Covid.

The country recorded more than 1,000 cases for the second day during the last 24 hours, according to the National Command and Operation Centre data, while the positive rate has doubled since the beginning of January.

He reiterated that people should wear masks and get themselves vaccinated to combat the rising cases of Covid across the country.

"Our first priority is to imporove the health system of the country," said the prime minister's aide.

On Wednesday, NCOC chief Asad Umar also dismissed rumours of lockdown in the country, saying Omicron cases are increasing rapidly but authorities have no plan to impose lockdown in the country for now.