Govt bans Youm-e-Ali processions to stem Covid-19 spread

Majalis have been allowed with strict compliance with anti-virus SOPs

ISLAMABAD:

In a bid to contain the spread of novel coronavirus cases, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Saturday imposed a ban on all sort of processions on the occasion of Youm-e-Ali (AS), which is observed every year on 21st of Ramazan.

However, the NCOC has allowed holding of majalis under strict anti-Covid standard operating procedures (SOPs) which are already in place for the holy month of Ramazan.

The decision has been made while keeping in view the risk factor due to ongoing surge in Covid spread across the country and particularly in major urban centres.

Another 4,696 new infections were recorded across the country on Saturday, taking the total caseload to 825,519. The death toll rose by 146 to 17,957.

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An important session on conduct of Youm-e-Ali (AS) was held at the NCOC, which was chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar and co-chaired by National Coordinator Lt Gen Hamooduz Zaman Khan.

Minister for Interior Sheikh Rashid, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Noorul Haq Qadri and PM’s aide on health Dr Faisal Sultan also participated in the session.

The provincial secretaries and representatives of law enforcement agencies also attended the session through video link.

The forum has emphasised the need to engage religious scholars and community leaders at provincial and district levels for implementation of these decisions.