On Tuesday, the religious scholars of different schools of thought and the federal government made an agreement over the SOPs in order to alleviate the spread of COVID-19 during the Muharram processions.
Different religious scholars and the federal government agreed upon the prepared SOPs after their interlocution. The consultative meeting, chaired by Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, agreed upon the SOPs, said a press release. The representatives of ministries of interior, health, and district administration of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) were also part of the meeting.
Read more: Punjab asks for army deployment during Muharram
All the agreed upon SOPs for majalis and processions during Muharram are:
“Only licensed and traditional processions will be allowed, the wearing of masks and use of hand sanitizers is mandatory.” Wearing masks and the use of hand sanitizers have almost ended but wearing masks during processions has been made mandatory. However, people without masks will not be allowed to enter, management will provide masks at entry points.
“Common glass for drinking water will be avoided during the processions and majalis, the number of participants attending the gathering should be kept at a minimum, Majalis should be briefed.”
“Aged persons will not be allowed to participate in the processions, the processions will not be stopped at narrow places except at airy and spacious ones, and the volunteers will be assigned to ensure implementation of the SOPs during Muharram.”
“Social distancing is the foremost rule to follow and so social distancing in gatherings and markings for sittings will be made.” The use of carpets will be prohibited and hand-shakes and hugging would be strictly prohibited. “The coronavirus tests of zakareen should be made mandatory and only those testing negative should be allowed to conduct majalis”
No air conditioner would be used if doors are closed in some majlis. “The mourners should not be allowed to touch Alam (flag), Taazia and Shabih”
All the SOPs must be followed by everyone in majalis and processions during Muharram and no one would be tolerated violating them.
Image source
