Friday prayers held under SOPs

Police, administration keep eye on congregations

RAWALPINDI: Authorities in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi strictly implemented the standard operating procedures for preventing the spread of coronavirus at worship places on the second Friday of Ramazan.

Police and district administration closely monitored mosques and imambargahs. Officials stationed at the gates ensured following directives of sanitisation and prohibition of entry of people above 50 years of age.

Roads leading to mosques and imambargahs were being closely monitored while cars and motorbikes were not allowed on their routes. Social distance of five to six feet was strictly enforced in mosques.

Cops in civvies from the Special Branch of police submitted reports to the authorities against administration of mosques and imambargahs not ensuring social distancing and compliance to other SOPs.

Meanwhile, in absence of public transport, violations of the ban on motorcycle pillion riding have increased. While two riders on a bike are banned, police issued tickets for four to five people going on a two-wheeler.

Traffic police challaned 89 such motorcyclists and also impounded their rides.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 9^th, 2020.