SHC reserves judgment on petition related to congregational prayers

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court on Wednesday reserved the judgment on a appeal filed concerning permission of congregational prayers in mosques during COVID-19 lockdown.

The Sindh High Court heard the case upon a petition lodged by a woman, Sumaira Mohammadi. In the petition, she mentioned that the provincial government cannot stop people from congregational prayers in mosques. The petitioner also said such orders are a violation of basic rights.

Earlier, the Sindh government had announced that citizens will not be allowed to offer congregational prayers, including Friday prayers in mosques amid to limit the spread of COVID-19.

During the hearing, SHC’s Justice Mohammad Ali Azhar asked about the strategy decided by the federal and provincial governments regarding prayers at the mosques during the lockdown.

Responding the question, deputy attorney general said that a meeting of religious scholars from all schools of thought will be held on 18 April to decide the future procedures on the matter.

On this occasion, Additional Advocate General Sindh said that the measures have been taken for the safety of people, adding that the number of citizens to offer prayers has been limited to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Earlier, religious scholars from different schools of thought held a press conference Karachi and announced that the lockdown will no longer be implemented at mosques.

Renowned religious scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani had said mosques would remain open in the holy month of Ramazan in Karachi with maximum preventive steps to limit the spread of coronavirus.

On this occasion, another prominent religious scholar, Mufi Muneeb ur Rehman said from today five-time prayers and Friday prayers will be offered as per the normal routine, adding that all precautionary measures would be adopted during prayer.

He said Mosques would not be included in the lockdown impact. He said all scholars had agreed with these decisions.

On April 13, more than 53 senior clerics of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, belonging to the Wafaqul Madaris al Arabia had held a meeting in Islamabad and warned the government to withdraw all decision regarding the closure of mosques across the country.