Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Religious Harmony, Maulana Tahir Ashrafi, on Wednesday urged the public to strictly follow SOPs during Ramadan and clarified that the mosques will remain open during the holy month of Ramadan in accordance to Covid-19 health protocols.

According to the details, while briefing media today appealed the masses to visit mosques after doing ablution at their homes. Adding that, ‘all mosques and Imambargahs will remain opened during the whole month.’ He said that, with strict compliance of coronavirus rule, this year’s Ramadan will again see the faithful offer their Taraweeh prayers at mosques.

On Tuesday, President Dr. Arif Alvi urged Ulema and Mashaikh to play their role for ensuring implementation of standard operating procedures against COVID-19 in mosques and Imambargahs during the holy month of Ramadan.

The President appreciated the role of Ulema and Mashaikh in observance of the SOPs during the last Ramadan and emphasized on implementing the guidelines in mosques and Imambargahs.

He said the Imams and Khateebs have close interaction with the general public and they should create awareness about these guidelines including wearing face mask, washing hands and maintaining social distance.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Religious Affairs Dr. Noor-ul Haq Qadri said the Ministry has been in contact with all stakeholders to deal with the situation.

He said the SOPs issued by the government will be implemented in all mosques and Imambargahs with the support of Aimma-e-Masajid.

The Minister said the SOPs adopted by Pakistan last year were appreciated by the world and some countries, including Turkey, also followed those guidelines.