In the wake of growing coronavirus cases across the country, the city police have warned the owners of cinemas and marriage halls that an indiscriminate action will be taken against them for violating Section 144.

Capital City Police Officer Zulfiqar Hameed and Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations) Rai Babar Saeed issued this warning during a meeting with the owners of cinemas and marriage halls here on Monday.

Speaking on the occasion, the CCPO urged the participants to give priority to national interest instead of personal interest saying that "business should not be important than lives". He said the virus has the ability of exponential spread and it is almost impossible to control after its outbreak.

"As the coronavirus is increasing with each passing day in Pakistan and other countries, we should avoid public gatherings," he warned.

He told the meeting that religious gatherings have been prohibited keeping in view the gravity of situation. "For now on, restaurants will not be able to organize wedding events. We should not leave homes without solid reasons," Zulfiqar added.