Mosques to remain open, emphasis on following Covid-19 SOPs

PM Imran, Minister for Religious Affairs Noorul Haq Qadri meet to discuss Covid-19

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday met with Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Noorul Haq Qadri and it was decided that mosques will remain open during the current wave of the pandemic.

It was, however, decided that there would be a strict emphasis on the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) at places of worship to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.

The premier also directed the Ministry of Religious Affairs to remain in contact with the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) and religious scholars, in matters pertaining to the pandemic.

Imran further asked the scholars to spread awareness regarding the virus and to ensure implementation of Covid-19 SOPs.

During the meeting, Qadri also consulted the prime minister on the reorganisation of the Ulema and Mashaikh Council.

مزید یہ کہ وزارتِ مذہبی امور علماء و مشائخ کو کرونا کے پھیلاؤ کے اعشاریوں کی فراہمی یقینی بنائے تاکہ دینی مواعظ اور خطبات میں کرونا ایس او پیز پر عملدرامد کی تاکید منبر کے ذریعے ممکن ہو

— Prime Minister's Office, Pakistan (@PakPMO) December 4, 2020

The meeting between the premier and the minister comes at a time when the country is experiencing its second wave of the pandemic, with at least 3,262 cases recorded on Friday and 55 people succumbing to the virus.

In November, the National Coordination Committee decided to engage the Ulema (religious scholars) to ensure the implementation of preventive measures against coronavirus in mosques.