ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday issued a notice to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Covid-19 on a petition challenging a ban on indoor weddings.
IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah directed the respondents named in the petition to submit their replies within a week by November 18.
The counsel for petitioner Mukhtar Abbas stated that there is no rationale behind the NCOC’s decision imposing the ban on indoor wedding ceremonies from November 20. Justice Minallah questioned whether the coronavirus was not spreading due to large public gatherings being held by political parties.
The NCOC placed a ban on gatherings at indoor weddings in halls and marquees but allowed in open spaces with a maximum of 1,000 guests. It has also placed a ban on buffet dinner or lunches and rather allowed table serving while recommending to wear face masks and observe social distancing.
The NCOC called for reducing the workforce at government and private offices in half and instructed that only 50 percent of employees should be allowed to work at offices while the rest from home.
In the latest NCOC meeting, it was recommended to ban large public gatherings and enhancing restrictions in high-risk areas due to the resurgence of COVID-19.
A meeting chaired by Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar reviewed the situation in the country and suggested certain urgent measures to check the spread of the pandemic.
This includes a ban on all public gatherings of more than 500 people, early and extended winter vacations, closure of cinemas, theatres and shrines with immediate effect, and only outdoor dining till 10 pm at restaurants and takeaway. The NCOC decided that only outdoor marriages with an upper limit of 500 people will be allowed from 20th November.
