Ensuring implementation of Ramazan guidelines a test for Ulema: SAPM Awan

She requested worshippers to maintain a six-feet distance while praying, and people over 60 to pray at home

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan welcomed President Dr Arif Alvi's decision to allow congregational prayers and Taraweeh in the month of Ramazan.

A day earlier, the president met with the country’s top religious scholars and a 20-point plan was agreed upon.

Addressing a news conference in Sialkot on Sunday, she said the decision to allow congregational prayers and Taraweeh in Ramazan is a test for the Ulema and they must implement the 20 points to mitigate the spread of the virus.

She reiterated that worshippers must maintain a six-feet distance during congregational prayers, whereas people over the age of 60 should at pray at home.

Govt pursuing strategy to control risk of unemployment 

Awan said the federal government is pursuing a strategy to contain the spread of the virus and control the risk of unemployment.

She said Rs144 billion is being distributed to families under the Ehsaas Emergency Cash programme.

Moreover, Prime Minister Imran Khan will announce a package for small businessmen, who have been affected by the ongoing lockdown.

She also distributed personal protective equipment (PPEs) amongst media workers.

Meeting with Ulema

In Ramazan, worshippers will be able to offer all congregational prayers at mosques after taking necessary precautions, including that of social distancing, to avoid spread of the contagious novel coronavirus during the holy month that is likely to start from Friday, April 24.

This was announced by the President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi, on Saturday, after a meeting at the President House in which all stakeholders, including representatives of the federal and provincial governments and Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan as well as religious scholars of all schools of thought took part.