Pakistanis on Saturday celebrated the country’s first day of Ramadan by flocking to mosques and markets, ignoring advice to stay home as new coronavirus cases rise.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has come under pressure for his handling of the virus crisis, after causing confusion by saying Pakistan could not afford the type of sweeping lockdowns seen in other nations.

His government also caved in to religious pressure, allowing daily prayers and evening congregations at mosques during Ramadan, albeit with some protective measures in place.

At Islamabad’s mosques, worshippers were thinner on the ground than typical for Ramadan’s first day, but elsewhere, social distancing guidelines and a ban on older worshippers were widely ignored.

Medical associations have repeatedly called on the government to impose a comprehensive lockdown as pressure grows on the country’s already struggling health system.

So far, Pakistan has recorded over 12,000 confirmed Covid-19 infections and 269 deaths – but with only limited testing, the real numbers are believed to be much higher.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that without effective interventions, Pakistani cases could soar to 200,000 by mid-July.