Govt decides to restrain Friday congregational prayers amid COVID-19

The federal government today (Thursday) has decided to ‘restrain’ Friday congregational prayers as new coronavirus cases have been reported across the country.

The announcement was made by the Federal Religious Affairs Minister Dr. Noor Ul Haq Qadri at a press conference. He said that it has been decided with a consensus that Friday prayers will be restrained.

Noor Ul Haq Qadri further said that only mosques’ administration staff and a limited number of worshippers will be allowed to pray inside mosques.

The religious affairs minister also clarifies that the mosques will not be closed and prayers will continue inside them, adding that the decision was taken after consultation with ulemas of every school of thought.

He also said that it is not only the government job to control coronavirus but also of the people, adding that people should act responsible in this regard.

‘Hajj’

Commenting on Hajj 2020, Noor-ul-Haq Qadari said that Saudi Arabia has urged Pakistan’s government not to take final decision on Hajj till green signal.

Noor-ul-Haq Qadri also said that Saudi Crown Prince will take the final decision on Hajj 2020 after consultation with other Islamic countries, adding that Pakistan was in constant touch with Saudi Foreign Ministry.

‘Asad Umar’

Federal Minister for planning, development and special initiatives, Asad Umar announced that the closure of educational institutions across Pakistan would be extended till May 31.

Asad Umar quoted Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood and said that the decision was taken in agreement with all provinces.

Referring to transportation system, Asad Umar said that NCC meeting – scheduled to take place tomorrow – will discussed the problems faced by transporters.

Commenting on wheat shortage, Asad Umar reiterated that there is no shortage of wheat in Pakistan, adding that in order to deal with immediate shortages, province with stocks were requested to speed up the place of releases.

‘Dr. Zafar Mirza’

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Services, Dr. Zafar Mirza has assured that by April 5, Pakistan will have enough medical equipment which will improve the security of health staff.

The Special Assistant said that the federal government will introduce a training programme for medical staff on coronavirus.

He informed that currently 1,102 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Pakistan and more than 450,000 cases around the globe.