ISLAMABAD, May 2 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have imposed a 12-day smart lockdown in a locality of Bajaur district, following a rise in cases of mpox, officials said Friday.
The lockdown, which began earlier this week, was implemented after the province recorded 17 confirmed cases of mpox over the past three years, with the majority linked to individuals arriving from countries where the disease is considered endemic, according to a notification issued by the deputy commissioner of Bajaur.
The district administration sealed all entry and exit points of the affected area to contain any further spread of the virus.
"Only essential services such as grocery shops, pharmacies, general stores, and emergency services will be allowed to operate during the lockdown," the statement said.
Authorities warned that legal action would be taken against anyone found violating the lockdown restrictions.
Residents have been urged to remain indoors, cooperate with health teams, and strictly adhere to health safety guidelines.
The provincial health department has intensified its surveillance efforts, particularly at entry points and health facilities, in an effort to detect and isolate suspected cases promptly. ■
