ABBOTTABAD: The district administration has warned that it will seal mosques, which violate anti-coronavirus standard operating procedures during the fasting month of Ramazan.

The warning was issued by commissioner of Hazara division Riaz Mehsud during a meeting here on Thursday.

The meeting was attended by religious scholars from the entire division, deputy commissioners and district police officers of Abbottabad, Haripur, Mansehra and Battagram, regional police officer of Hazara Mirwais Niaz and other relevant officials.

The commissioner asked religious scholars to play their role for the prevention and control of coronavirus.

He said SOPs weren’t meant for mosques and seminaries only and instead, they’re enforced in all public places, offices and transport vehicles.

Mr Mehsud said the government couldn’t go for complete lockdowns in light of the people’s problems.

He urged the media to raise public awareness of SOPs.

According to SOPs issued by the district administration, worshippers will perform ablution at home, leave for mosques wearing face masks and observe physical distancing while praying to prevent themselves from the infection.

The use of carpets in mosques has been prohibited and prayers will be performed on bare surface cleaned or mopped with chlorine water or disinfectant.

Under SOPs, taraweeh congregations will not be held on roads, footpaths and anywhere other than mosques. Also, there will be a complete ban on iftar gatherings, group aitekaf, and other religious gatherings.

The administration has stopped people over the age of 50 years and children from going to mosques.

The religious scholars assured the administration of their complete support and cooperation for SOP implementation in mosques and seminaries.

Published in Dawn, April 2nd, 2021