Eid-ul-Azha plan to be finalised next week: Minister

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Ijaz Ahmed Shah briefed the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) regarding Eid-ul-Azha management plan and associated hazards of cattle market and animal sacrifices in public places and urban areas.

The NCOC forum was informed that plan for animal sacrifices on Eid-ul-Azha in wake of coronavirus threat will be finalised after consensus of all stakeholders particularly religious leaders.

The areas in focus include mechanism for animal sacrifices, concept of joint sacrifices, online booking, and central arrangements for distribution of meat through civil administration and local committees.

He said the modalities in this regard will be finalised within next week to provide a complete month to the provincial government for making necessary arrangements for Eid-ul-Azha.

Ministry of Health will formulate the medical SOPs regarding animal sacrifice on Eid-ul-Azha. The Ministry of Health will also make a detailed plan for uninterrupted oxygen supplies for projected disease spread.

Minister Industries will engage with manufacturers of oxygen cylinder to finalise way for capacity enhancement. Provision of 24-hour road access for oxygen gas supply vehicles, cryogenic tankers by all provincial governments, ICT administration will be ensured as per health guidelines.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) will ensure the urgent acquisition of additional cylinders to meet the increased requirements by hospitals.