KARACHI, Pakistan

COVID-19 cases continued to surge in Pakistan as the country recorded over 1,700 fresh infections on Wednesday, marking the highest single-day tally over the past three months, the Health Ministry said.

With 1,708 new infections, the country's overall caseload reached 348,184, with 320,065 recoveries.

Another 21 people lost their lives to the disease, pushing the death toll to 7,021. The total active cases in the South Asian nuclear state currently stand at 21,098.

The country recorded over 13,000 case this month alone, giving credence to health experts' warnings about a second wave of the novel virus.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s COVID-19 monitoring body banned large public gatherings and enhanced restrictions to stem the virus's spread.

The outdoor gatherings of all sorts have been limited to a maximum of 500 people, including political gatherings. It ordered immediate closure of cinemas, theaters, and shrines due to rise in cases.

The National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), in a statement, said the number of infections rose threefold although the center recommended banning large public gatherings and outdoor activities on Oct. 12.

Following a rise in cases in educational institutions, the NCOC called for measures in a bid to control the trend.

Authorities have already announced closure of all parks and entertainment venues by 6 p.m. local time, and also markets, shopping centers, restaurants, and banquet halls by 10 p.m. nationwide.

In May, Pakistan eased virus restrictions and reopened businesses which had been closed since March.