People have to be persuaded intellectually on restricting congregational prayers: FM Qureshi

Merely taking out a notification would not resolve the issue, says the foreign minister

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Friday said people have to be persuaded intellectually on the issue of restricting congregational prayers at mosques.

A notification issued by provincial governments early Friday stated that under Section (2) of The West Pakistan Epidemic Disease Act 1958, only three to five people, designated for Masjid [Mosque], would be allowed offer prayers in congregation and the general public would offer prayers at homes.



“Merely taking out a notification would not resolve the issue of restricting congregational prayers at mosques,” FM Qureshi said. “People have to be convinced intellectually. All religious scholars also agreed that it should be avoided.”

The foreign minister stressed that important decisions, including the safety of health workers, were made in yesterday’s meeting whereas steps were taken for better coordination between the federal and provincial governments.

“[Testing] machines have been ordered in order to increase the testing capacity of coronavirus,” FM said.

“Relevant authorities have been instructed to ensure undisrupted supply during the lockdown.”