Ministers consult Ulema for Eidul Azha SOPs

Dr Zafar Mirza says if effective precautionary measures were not taken, last two weeks of July could prove disastrous

ISLAMABAD: The religious affairs minister on Saturday chaired a consultative meeting attended by relevant federal ministers and Ulema and Mashaikhs to discuss safe arrangements for Eidul Azha in the wake of coronavirus spread in the country.

The meeting discussed the strategy for securing cattle markets and Eidul Azha gatherings in view of the rising mortality because of the Covid-19 and deteriorating situation across the country due to the virus pandemic.

Religious Affairs Minister Pir Noorul Haq Qadri, Interior Minister Ijaz Shah, State Minister for Health Dr Zafar Mirza, Parliamentary Secretary Aftab Jahangir, members of the provincial governments, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir and representatives of the Ulema and Mashaikhs participated in the meeting.

Dr Zafar Mirza told the meeting that if effective precautionary measures were not taken, the last two weeks of July could prove disastrous. “Pakistan is among the top three countries in terms of the rising trajectory of the disease spread,” he said.

The participants appreciated the efforts of the government’s 20-point declaration for Eidul Fitr and noted that all mosques, madrassas and religious circles showed responsibility by implementing this declaration.

Qadri said that national health and security should also be taken care of while performing religious duties. “Pakistan was the first country to keep mosques open with standard operating procedures (SOPs) during Ramazan in consultation with religious scholars.

The participants presented their suggestions for Eidul Azha. Qadri said a national strategy would be worked out in the light of the suggestions. The religious scholars assured the government of their support for efforts to prevent this deadly epidemic.