Mosques will remain open across Pakistan in the month of Ramzan, with stringent measures and toughened standard operating procedures (SOPs) to curb the spread of the virus.
Noorul Haq Qadri, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, made the announcement on Tuesday, adding that precautions and safety measures must be aligned with religious obligation.
Pakistan’s COVID-19 positivity rate crossed 11 per cent amid an intensifying third wave with daily cases above the 4,000 mark. Earlier this week, the Punjab government decided to close all educational institutions across the province following a rise in coronavirus cases in the province, especially the provincial capital. The government has also decided to close markets and shopping malls by 6pm. Public transport, such as the metro and orange line, will also stop operations at 6pm, as per the decision.
Pakistan has recorded a total of 659,116 COVID-19 cases as of March 29.
