Islamabad, Jul 31, 2021, SPA -- Pakistani authorities have imposed a lockdown in the southern Sindh province, including the commercial hub of Karachi and other urban centers, amid an alarming increase in COVID-19 cases. The lockdown began Saturday and is set to last until Aug 8. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said Friday that a sudden rise in virus cases has flooded hospitals in Karachi, the provincial capital. The Sindh provincial government is closing all markets, except for pharmacies, bakeries, gas stations and grocery stores, which still must close by 6 p.m. All transport between cities is halted and public busses arena is operating. Private cars and taxis are limited to two people, AP reported. Ongoing examinations at schools and universities are also postponed until after the lockdown. Nationwide, Pakistan on Saturday reported 65 deaths and 4,950 new virus cases in the past 24 hours. Pakistan has reported 1,029,811 confirmed cases and 23,360 virus-related deaths since the start of the pandemic. --SPA 15:36 LOCAL TIME 12:36 GMT 0019 www.spa.gov.sa/w1594774