Zubair Qureshi
President Dr Arif Alvi on Sunday, in a telephonic conversation with senior religious leaders Allama Sajid Naqvi and Maulana Hafeez Jalandhari emphasized the need to strictly observe the Covid Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) particularly during the last ten days of the Ramzan-ul-Mubarak.
The president made the telephone call in the backdrop of the issuance of guidelines for Youm-e-Ali (RA), Aitekaf, Shab-e-Qadr, Jumma-tu- Wida and Eidul Fitr by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Sunday.
.The president urged the religious scholar to use his influence and convince the Shia community of Pakistan to restrict Majalis in order to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Allama Sajid Naqvi lauded the president’s efforts particularly his interaction with the religious community, ulema and scholars for raising awareness about the SOPs.
He assured the president his level best to keep the Majali restricted to check the spread of coronavirus.
During the conversation, the president held that he had been continuously urging the public to wear face masks and observe social distancing. The elderly people should perform religious duties at homes.
Allama Sajid Naqvi assured the president of complete observance of SOPs during Majalis, a press release said.
The president while thanking Allma Sajid Naqvi for his assurance also underlined the need for acting upon the advice of Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) with regard to pandemic.
He said the nation with a united stance has to overcome the trying times of coronavirus pandemic.
Later in the day, President Arif Alvi also contacted Maulana Hafeez Jalandhari and repeated his request that ulema should advise the faithful to observe SOPs in mosques.
It may be mentioned here that Wafaqul Madaris had already written a letter to madaris to implement the SOPs during Eidul Fitr prayers and Jumma-tul-Wida’s gatherings.
The NCOC stated in its guidelines that Youm-e-Ali (RA) processions are completely banned, whereas clerics and zakireen will make the citizens aware of the virus.
However, majalis will be allowed to be organised where all participants will undergo thermal screening and are required to wear face masks.
Besides, one metre distance will be maintained among all indoor and outdoor majalis among all participants besides completely complying with the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
