The Gilgit-Baltistan government has requested the Sindh government to send the students belonging to the region back to their hometowns as they are experiencing great hardships due to the lockdown.

According to 24NewsHD TV channel, a letter addressed to the Sindh Home Department says these students are facing severe problems related to food and lodging as the hostels had been closed over four weeks ago.

It mentioned that around 2,570 students, currently studying in Karachi, wanted to return to Gilgit-Baltistan.

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The Sindh government should test them for coronavirus and provide transport and other assistance for their journey to Gilgit-Baltistan, the letter read.

After receiving the request, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah phoned his counterpart Hafeez-ur-Rehman, informing him that the provincial government will conduct coronavirus tests of all the residents of Gilgit-Baltistan who are in Karachi.

He also allowed the students to return after which the home department directed the Karachi commissioner to provide necessary facilities and services to them.

Those intending to return to Gilgit-Baltistan will first be tested for the virus. The procedure will enable them leaving for their destinations on the basis of NOCs (non-objection certificates) by the respective deputy commissioners.