PM appreciates Maluana Tariq Jameel for raising awareness on coronavirus

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday said the cooperation of religious scholars and Ulema is vital to overcome the challenges posed by coronavirus pandemic.

The prime minister, while speaking to prominent religious scholar Maulana Tariq Jamil, said the government will decide on the future course of action in consultation with all religious scholars during the upcoming Holy month of Ramazan, and wants to devise a strategy after taking input of the clerics.

PM Imran Khan said he will hold meetings with various Ulema and religious scholars to seek their inputs under the prevailing coronavirus situation. He appreciated the campaign launched by Maulana Tariq Jamil to raise awareness among masses about coronavirus disease.

Last month, Maulana Tariq Jameel had met Prime Minister Imran Khan where they discussed the ongoing situation in the country including the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of the virus. The prime minister had requested Maulana Tariq Jameel to play a role regarding limiting religious gatherings. The two avoided handshake as a precautionary measure due to the coronavirus.

Earlier today, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Noor-ul-Haq Qadri said on Thursday the government will hold consultations with religious scholars on the restrictions on prayers, Friday congregations and Tarawih in mosques on Sunday, April 18.

The minister slammed Chairman Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman and said the religious scholar should have taken the government into confidence before going ahead with the declaration that lockdown restrictions will not apply to mosques.

The minister said the government was trying to find a solution after taking advice from religious scholars, adding that it seemed Mufti Muneeb had taken the decision regarding congregation prayers in mosques on his own.

Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman had on Tuesday announced opening mosques and said that lockdown restrictions would no longer apply to them. Speaking at a press conference alongside famed cleric Muti Taqi Usmani, he said Friday prayers would be offered in mosques, while Taraweeh and Aitkaf would also be held in mosques during Ramazan.