No Youm-e-Ali processions in Islamabad

Coronavirus infected at least 679 people and claimed six lives in the federal capital

ISLAMABAD: Owing to the spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), which has so far infected at least 679 people and claimed six lives in the federal capital, there will be no procession on the roads on Ramazan 21.

This was decided in a meeting between Islamabad Capital Territory Administration (ICTA) Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat and a delegation of Shia Ulema on Monday regarding Yom-e-Hazrat Ali.

Furthermore, with Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) still in effect - banning large gatherings - there will be no gathering or any violation of the law.

However, it was decided that smaller congregations (Majalis) will be allowed while following the same SOPs which were issued for Taraveehs, i.e. with social distancing, wearing of masks and disinfection of the compound.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 12^th, 2020.