ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan took to Twitter on Sunday morning to wish Pakistan’s Christian community a happy Easter, urging residents to exercise caution by celebrating the festival at home amid the coronavirus outbreak.

“Wishing all our Christian citizens a happy Easter. Please stay safe and keep your families safe during the COVID-19 pandemic by praying and celebrating at home & by observing the national safety protocols,” PM Khan tweeted.

He was joined by President Dr. Arif Alvi who conveyed "his sincere wishes to the Christian community", reiterating that all minorities "were equal citizens of the state and the constitution of Pakistan had fully safeguarded their rights", a statement released on Sunday read. 

"The true message of Easter was one of love, joy and happiness. It also reminds us of the teachings of Jesus Christ and his universal message of love, forgiveness, and brotherhood, which can bring harmony and peace to the world," he said before appreciating the contributions made by the Christian community in the social and economic development of Pakistan.

Amid the countrywide lockdown and ban on congregational gatherings to stop the spread of COVID-19, Christian leaders had requested community members not to hold special services at churches.

The total number of coronavirus infections rose to 5,038 across the country – with nearly half of the cases reported from the populous Punjab province – while the death toll stood at 86 on Sunday.

In order to reconsider its anti-measures, the government is set to hold a high-level meeting on Monday and take a decision on whether or not to extend the lockdown which was supposed to end on Tuesday, April 14.