COVID-19: Punjab government bans Yaum-e-Ali processions, gatherings

The Punjab government on Thursday announced a ban on Youm-e-Ali processions in the province in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a notification issued by the home department, the government has allowed the holding of majalis in Imam Bargahs and houses on the basis that the standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the government are strictly observed.

The notification added the majalis can only be held for one hour. In case of non-compliance with SOPs, the organisers of the majalis will be held accountable.

Moreover, the notification added a distance of six-feet should be maintained between people at the imam bargahs, while children and adults over the age of 50 will not be allowed to attend the gatherings.

The development takes place as coronavirus cases in Pakistan surged past 35,000 on Thursday with more than 730 deaths.

Earlier, the Sindh government had announced a ban on religious gatherings during the holy month of Ramadan, which includes Yaum-e-Ali and Mehfil-e-Shabeenas,

According to a notification released by the Home Department, Government of Sindh, all religious gatherings "being not farz shall not be held".

Every year in Ramadan, thousands take part in processions and gatherings for Yaum-e-Ali. Rallies to salute Hazrat Ali (RA) on the day of his martyrdom are taken out across the country.