ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi called on Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) head Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and discussed reservations raised by the religious party after the National Command Operation Center (NCOC) imposed a ban on Youm-e-Ali (RA) procession.
During the phone, President Alvi reassured Nasir Abbas the religious events scheduled on Youm-e-Ali (RA) like ‘majalis’ are sanctioned with the condition of Covid SOPs.
On this occasion, the MWM chief demanded the president of the government ensure security to all Youm-e-Ali (RA) events organized across the country.
Separately, MWM leadership has announced a press conference denying NCOC notification earlier today that bans any processions and in fact conditions religious event gatherings with SOPs. MWM has convened a presser tomorrow where Abbas will conduct an address.
Earlier in the day, in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 third wave, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has imposed a ban on the Yaum-i-Ali procession, scheduled to take place on Ramadan 21 (Tuesday).
According to details, Yaum-i-Ali majlis will be permitted under strict standard operating procedures (SOPs), which are already in place for Ramadan. NCOC said directives were issued to district administrations across the province to ensure the implementation of the ban.
An important session on the conduct of Yaum-i-Ali was held, chaired by Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar while Ministers for Interior Sheikh Rasheed, Minister for Religious Affairs Noor-ul-Haq Qadri and SAPM on Health Dr Faisal Sultan were also present.
“Keeping in view the risk factor due to the ongoing surge in COVID spread across the country and particularly in major urban centres, it was decided to ban all sort of processions while holding of Majalis has been permitted under strict COVID SOPs which are already in place for Ramazan ul Mubarik,” read the NCOC statement.
The forum emphasized the need to engage religious scholars and community leaders at provincial and district levels for the implementation of these decisions.
