President urges media to highlight social distancing at mosques

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi on Monday urged the electronic and print media to highlight social distancing phenomenon at mosques as agreed between the government and the Ulema.

In a tweet, he said the worshipers should also be educated so that they themselves ensure social distancing for their own protection and that of others.

Arif Alvi also shared the image of the prayer congregation at a mosque in Karachi with people maintaining distance and a media report depicting Mosques being disinfected, carpets removed and floors marked to make the people stand at a prescribed distance during the prayer.

Also Read: Mosques to remain open during Ramadan for Taraweeh, Friday, daily prayers across Pakistan

He commented, “we must increase our sense of ownership in our country.”

A good example of self discipline, rather than police imposed lathi. https://t.co/dcyNBq50FU

— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) April 19, 2020

Every citizen of Pakistan must be encouraged to take responsibility. After the 20 point 'Ijma' on prayers in masajid, it is upto us to implement it. Such images must be tweeted to make us proud. Let us make discipline a norm rather than an exception. This is in Dhoraji Karachi. pic.twitter.com/latslpOLjm

— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) April 19, 2020

Makes me proud. My appeal to TV & print media to please highlight the masjid social distancing phenomenon, and educate the namazis so that they themselves ensure it for their own protection and that of others. We must increase our sense of ownership in our country. https://t.co/Juo7mcqWBl

— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) April 19, 2020

Good social distancing being observed at a mosque in Karachi. If they all wear masks and not allow children, this can be termed as a great example to be followed by others.#masjid #lockdowneffect #CoronaVirusPakistan pic.twitter.com/sNIIAlE3vt

— Ovais Mangalwala (@ovaismangalwala) April 19, 2020

As the SOPs of the 'Ijma' between Ulema & Government becomes well known & widespread, it is generally the masajid & the people who are taking ownership. What a good model where the state provides guidance and the people implelment themselves. Innovative👇https://t.co/5rGhJzRYEa

— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) April 20, 2020

After consultation with Ulema, President Arif Alvi had on April 18 announced that mosques across the country would remain open during Ramadan for Taraweeh, Friday and daily prayers with some conditions.

He had said this while announcing details of the strategy devised in consultation with Ulema of different sects for Ramadan. He was flanked by Minister for Religious Affairs Noor ul Haq Qadri and Interior Minister Ejaz Ahmed in Islamabad.

“Carpet should not be rolled out in mosques and imambargahs. Rather, prayer should be offered on floor and floor should be cleaned with chlorine. Gathering before and after prayer should be avoided,” Arif Alvi had said while detailing 20 conditional points for offering prayer at mosques.