Ulema promise implementation of Covid-19 SOPs at mosques

A delegation of leading Pakistani Ulema on Thursday called on President Arif Alvi and promised strict adoption of precautionary measures at mosques and urged political leaders to follow the same spirit by avoiding large public gatherings.

The Ulema said that they would strictly adhere to the 20-point Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), previously adopted in April to effectively overcome the second wave of the pandemic, according to APP.

President Alvi, flanked by Religious Minister Noor ul Haq Qadri and Special Assistant on Health Dr Faisal Sultan, announced the decisions taken during the meeting with Ulema focusing on the need to be cautious against the spread of COVID-19.

The President mentioned that Ulema had assured that the mosque administrations would ensure the proper safe-distancing during congregational prayers. He, however, said that the Ulema pointed out that the political leaders should also avoid holding large rallies that might endanger precious lives.

The SOPs regarding mosques included proper distance among worshippers, disinfecting carpets and floors, ablution at homes before coming to mosques and bringing own prayer rugs.

The President said starting from December 4, a ‘Youm-e-Dua’ would be observed every Friday to seek the Mercy of Allah Almighty to protect the people from the deadly virus.

He said Pakistan had successfully tackled the first wave of the pandemic due to the government’s effective strategy and the will of the nation.

He said the example set by Pakistan in controlling the COVID-19 spread was acknowledged by top world health bodies and the countries in general.

The President pointed to a sharp rise in the number of fresh coronavirus cases in the country and recalled that in April, the number of patients was 500 a day, which increased to over 6,400 in June.

He said the current wave in winters had high chances of increasing the number of new cases that required extra precautions.

President Alvi said mosques had an important role in raising awareness among the community members regarding the importance of COVID-19 SOPs.

He said the experience had taught that there was a need to change the approach in confronting the COVID-19 virus. Instead of the previous “fight, not fear the virus” approach, he said, the new one should be “prevent COVID-19”.

President Alvi stressed the role of media to raise awareness among the masses with frequent public service messages on precautions against coronavirus.

The Ulema lauded the efforts of Prime Minister Imran Khan in effectively presenting the case of Islamophobia and blasphemy at the international level, calling for urgent steps against the trend.

Later, prayers were offered for the safety of the entire nation against the pandemic of coronavirus.