PM Imran, President Alvi urge nation to ensure precautionary measures on Eid

Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Dr Arif Alvi on Sunday urged the nation to adhere to precautionary measures as the nation celebrates Eidul Fitr amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

In a two-part tweet, the premier asked the masses to observe Eidul Fitr in "a different manner from the usual celebratory style", keeping in mind the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) crash and Covid-19.

The prime minister asked the nation to pray for all those families that lost their loved ones in the crash and for those whose loved ones succumbed to the deadly disease.

I want our nation to observe this eid in a different manner from the usual celebratory style. First, let us think of & pray for all those families who have been deprived of their loved ones by the plane crash tragedy & all those who have lost their lives to COVID19.

The premier maintained that the nation must ensure the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs), adding that social distancing must be observed throughout the Eid holidays.

Second, everyone must remember to observe the SOPs in place for COVID19. The disease is with us & social distancing must be strictly observed throughout the Eid holidays, including during Eid prayers. May Allah bless our nation.

The premier also wished a special Eid Mubarak to the oppressed Kashmiris in occupied Kashmir for observing patience and courage during the lockdown.

Wishing a special Eid Mubarak to Kashmiris in IOJK, and admiration for their patience and courage during the inhumane lockdown and continuing oppression by Indian Occupation forces.

In a video message, the prime minister said we must celebrate Eid with care, adding that the masses must follow SOPs, avoid crowded places, observe social distancing by exchanging Eid greetings from afar and help the vulnerable segments of society that have been affected by the lockdown.

President Dr Arif Alvi in his message, dedicated his wish to those martyred in the plane crash, to the doctors and nurses on the frontline fighting against Covid-19, to the patients affected by the virus, to the Kashmiris, to Muslims suffering in India, to the Palestinians and Muslim refugees across the world.

عید مبارک، میں اپنی عید شہداء پی آئی اے، کورونا سے پیدا شدہ صورتحال میں روزی کمانے کی کوشش کرنے والے سب غریبوں، ڈاکٹر، نرسز، کورونا کے مریض، ہندوستانی مظالم برداشت کرنے والے کشمیریوں، ہندوستان میں اسلاموفوبیا سے متاثرہ مسلمانوں، فلسطینییوں اور مسلمان مہاجرین کے نام وقف کرتا ہوں۔

Alvi asked the entire nation to observe precautionary measures, ensure social distancing and wear face masks to protect each other from the virus. He said he will pray at home this Eid.

میں عیدالفطر کی نماز گھر پر ادا کرونگا۔ میری تمام پاکستانیوں بلکہ تمام انسانوں سے درخواست ہےکہ وہ معاشرتی فاصلوں پر عمل کریں، ماسک پہنیں، اپنے ہاتھ دھوئیں تاکہ وہ خود اور اپنےعزیز خاندان والوں اور دوستوں کو کورونا سے محفوظ رکھیں۔انشاء اللہ پاکستان اس مشکل سے کامیاب ہوکر نکلے گا۔

Alvi further maintained that the entire nation would face the critical challenge of Covid-19 with solidarity and by observing precautionary measures.

The president prayed for the nation to overcome the pandemic.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa also wished the nation on the auspicious occasion of Eidul Fitr.

He took to microblogging website Twitter and prayed to Allah for guidance and blessings to overcome the current situation in the country.

Sindh Governor Imran Ismail, referring to Eid as 'different' this year, said the nation has been through a lot the past couple of months.

The Sindh governor said Pakistan will not be able to celebrate Eidul Fitr with large gatherings this year, but we will get through this.

He said we must focus on those affected by the lockdown and reach out and help them in whatever way we can.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz on the first day of Eid, paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the plane crash, those affected by Covid-19 and the oppressed Kashmiris in Indian Occupied Kashmir.

This Eid we confront the lives lost to COVID19 and in the tragic air crash on Jummah tul Widdah which has left so many families in shock and grief. Let us also not forget the suffering & oppression of our Kashmiri brothers in IOJK. 1/2