Govt imposes countrywide ban on congregational prayers in mosques
Govt imposes countrywide ban on congregational prayers in mosques
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – In the wake of preventing spread of deadly coronavirus, the incumbent government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday has banned congregational prayers in the mosques across the country.
According to details, the decision was taken in National Coordination Committee (NCC) meeting on Thursday after consulting the ulemas from all schools of thought.
However, Friday prayers have also been limitized in the mosques.
Following the orders, Sindh government has decided to ban congregational Friday prayers in the province from March 27 to April 5 and only three to five persons are permitted to visit mosques.
Meanwhile, Balochistan government has imposed a ban on congregation prayers, including Friday prayers in mosques across the province in a bid to stem the spread of coronavirus.
According to a notification issued by Balochistan home department, the ban will remain effective from today (March 27) till April 4.
Punjab government has also issued advisory, advising the people to offer prayers at their houses. Only three to five people will be allowed to go to the mosques, it added.
Responding to the decision, the Ulema said that saving one life is equal to saving entire humanity therefore ensuring the safety of one’s life by staying at home should be the top priority. They advised people to pray at their homes and stay safe from the virus.
On the other hand,President Dr Arif Alvi expressed his gratitude to the Ulema for supporting the government’s policies against the coronavrus and urged them to advise and educate the people to stay indoors and offer prayers at homes, which would help contain the spread of disease.
The president appreciated the unity among Ulema, particularly the unanimous declaration issued by them in Karachi for adoption of preventive measures against Covid-19.
The Ulema assured their complete support and said they would comply with the instructions given by the government.
They said they had already taken a number of steps like cancellation of religious congregations, postponement of convocations and examinations, besides declaring holidays for over three million Madrassah (seminaries) students.
