ISLAMABAD, 2 May 2021 (TON): Amid surging coronavirus cases in the country, the federal government has imposed lock-downs. However, the authorities decided on Saturday to allow Majalis and processions to observe Youm-e-Ali, keeping due consideration to precautionary measures, already in place for Ramadan.

The high level meeting at the National Command and Operation Centre was chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar. Minister for Interior Sheikh Rasheed, Minister for Religious Affairs Noor-ul-Haq Qadri and SAPM on Health Dr Faisal Sultan were also present. The provincial secretaries and representatives of law enforcement agencies attended the session through video link.

The statement issued by National Command and Operation Centre said, “Keeping in view the risk factor due to the ongoing surge in COVID spread across the country and particularly in major urban centres, it was decided to ban all sort of processions while holding of Majalis has been permitted under strict COVID SOPs which are already in place for Ramazan ul Mubarik.”

Pakistan has seen record deaths in recent days from the coronavirus, and stricter restrictions on movement and gathering in public are planned after successful conclusion of Youm-e-Ali processions during upcoming Eid holiday.