50-guest limit for weddings proposed in Punjab

Health minister suggests continued restrictions to save expenses

LAHORE: Punjab government is considering a proposal to allow gatherings at marriage ceremonies, banned since March 19, with a limit of maximum 50 guests, The Express Tribune has learnt.

A high level meeting held at the Chief Secretary's Camp Office decided to propose lifting the ban on marriage ceremonies. Punjab government had prohibited all functions, ceremonies and social gatherings on private premises, including those at homes and farmhouses. Punjab Law Minister Raja Basharat, Health Minister Dr Yasmeen Rashid, Trade Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal and the chief secretary attended the meeting.

This restriction put many marriage ceremonies on hold, especially in families that wanted a big event.

Samina Ahmed and Manzar Sehbai tie the knot

Couples that decide to proceed with marriage ceremony with only immediate family members in attendance did manage to tie the knot whereas the rest of the ceremonies were delayed.

The meeting, held to devise a new strategy based on coronavirus restrictions after May 31, agreed on the proposal made by the health minister to allow marriage ceremonies with a limit of 50 guests and restriction of one dish at the event.

Dr Yasmin further proposed that since marriage ceremonies were otherwise a very expensive undertaking, given the total number of guests, décor, stage and other add-ons, they should be permanently limited to 50 guests.

The law minister requested the health minister to move a proposal to his ministry so that it may be taken to the provincial assembly for approval.

According to an official statement issued by the CS office, the meeting decided that instead of ‘luxury activities, ‘economy-based business activities’ would be continued in the province to protect people from the coronavirus pandemic, as well as from economic problems.

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It was decided that a request would be made to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to provide 2,000 ventilators immediately.

Specialised Healthcare Secretary Nabil Awan said that a request for supply 1,500 ventilators had already been sent. The meeting also agreed to launch a public awareness campaign on Covid-19. The health minister said that 50 special beds would also be added for coronavirus patients at the field hospital at Expo Centre.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 31^st, 2020.