Federal, provincial govts decide to quarantine tableeghi jamaat members

A comprehensive policy has been framed to send members to their homes after the quarantine period ends

PESHAWAR: The federal and the provincial government on Friday decided to quarantine all tableeghi jamaat members, in the mosques where they preach, as a precautionary measure to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus.

A comprehensive policy has been framed by the authorities concerned to send the tableeghi jamat members to their respective homes after the quarantine period ends.

According to a senior government official, present during the meeting in which the decision was taken, all governments would coordinate and cooperate with each other in the execution of this plan.



Test samples would be taken from the mosques where the tableeghi jamaat members will reside; the source said adding that local administration would be responsible for providing ration and other amenities.

According to data compiled by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Government, approximately 4,000 people from other provinces are part of the various missionary movements in the province excluding foreigners.

Adviser to K-P Chief Minister on Information Ajmal Wazir said that the government has the utmost respect for the religious mission movements. “Our first priority is their safety and return,” he added

The adviser also assured that rations and other necessary facilities would be provided to the mosques.

He further said that the decision was taken amid the lockdown in the country to limit the spread of the virus.

“The decision also intends to prevent unhealthy movement of people by hiding in cars and trucks,” he added.



Meanwhile, Inspector-General Punjab (IGP) Police Shoaib Dastagir has issued an advisory to police officials pertaining to the Tableeghi Jamaat members.

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar directed police authorities to treat them well.

"They should be educated about the current situation and should be provided with all the facilities at quarantine centres," the advisory said.

The advisory also mentioned that members under quarantine should not interact with others outside. Those who had come in contact should be kept in isolation separately for 10 days.

With additional input from our correspondent in Lahore