Daily Times

Currently social distancing was the only solution to overcome the problem of Coronavirus spread. If people implemented the government instructions and the standard operating procedures (SOPs) at the government institutions, the Corona Pandemic could be controlled soon. The Principal, Post-Graduate Medical Institute, Prof Al-Fareed Zafar, has meanwhile informed that the task force for coronavirus, specialists of various institutions were conducting research under the supervision of Prof Attaur Rehman and Coronavirus vaccine might be prepared in the country in the next 10-12 months.

Pakistan is an independent country and hence the government cannot interfere in the basic rights of the people, says Prime Minister Imran Khan. This should not imply that behaviors and attitudes that pose danger and are a life threat to individuals and groups of people could be allowed to go unnoticed. Not following the simple requirement of social distancing must be punished because a failure in this case results in spread of virus and infecting large number of people. After all what is the problem when Islamic laws allow you alternative choices? Taraweeh prayer could be held in Ramadan without people in mosques.

Social distancing is difficult to observe because of congested mosques and congested environment

Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz has approved the holding of Taraweeh prayers at two holy mosques without public attendance amidst preventive measures due to coronavirus. Special night prayers performed during the holy month of Ramazan will be shortened and held without public attendance at the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid al-Nabwi) in Medina. Taraweeh prayer will be performed by staff. The Islamic practice of secluding oneself in the mosque (Itkaf) to pray – at both mosques – has been cancelled. Saudi Arabia has recorded a total of 11,631 coronavirus cases, including 109 deaths and 1,640 recoveries. The novel coronavirus has spread to 185 countries and regions since emerging in Wuhan, China last December, with the US and Europe being the hardest-hit. More than 2.57 million cases have been recently reported worldwide, with the death toll over 177,000 and some 687,000 recoveries, according to data compiled by the US John Hopkins University.

A positive note has come from religious scholars, including Mufti Muneeb-Ur-Rehman, the chairmen of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, urging religious scholars and others to follow a 20-point agenda (safety measures) agreed upon by the ulema and the government. Last week, the government granted conditional permission for congregational prayers and Taraweeh during Ramadan. It is a dangerous, complicated scenario which could be a threat to human life and welfare. Social distancing is difficult to observe because of congested mosques and congested environment. One can only pray for the safety of lives of the people specially, the mosque goers. God forbid it could result in deaths because of attitudes and behavior of the people.

Under the current situation, the best would be to pray at home during Ramadan. Mufti Sahib is already offering prayers at home.

Our national strategy is: test, trace and quarantine. Dire need is to manage health crisis, economic slide and the human side of the pressing issues. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa says Pakistan Army in collaboration with national institutions should take all possible measures to bring comfort to nation in challenging times, particularly during Ramadan.

Congregational prayers may put religious clerics into hot water. Clerics are likely to face severe criticism for their resistance to the ban on religious gatherings despite warnings from health experts regarding the looming crisis in the upcoming days. COVID-19 cases surged since prayers are allowed. Shall we give importance to religious clerics and ignore the health experts, is an existential question. The Ministry of Interior has ordered repatriation of pilgrims and members of Tableeghi Jamaat stranded in various parts of the country due to the coronavirus outbreak, to their home towns before commencement of the holy month of Ramadan. According to a police report, approximately 70,000 to 80,000 members of the Jamaat attended the mass assembly in Raiwind, a town in the suburbs of Lahore. Out of them, 3,000 arrived from 40 countries, including the US and the UK, where there was already an outbreak of the disease. This human-side of the complex issue of Coronavirus should be worrisome for the government and the right thinking people of Pakistan.

Pakistan has launched ‘preparedness and response plan’ against coronavirus. Launching the plan, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders involved in the preparation of the PPRP. He specially paid tribute to the fearless health workers, doctors, nurses and paramedic staff for their services to the people of Pakistan. To kick-start the response plan, the World Bank has immediately made available $240 million package to help Pakistan take effective and timely action to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Bank regional vice president emphasized the importance of support to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of the crisis, which the World Bank is also providing. The Asian Development Bank is also fully committed to helping Pakistan manage this crisis in close coordination with the International Monetary Fund, the UN system and the global community. On Pakistan’s call, UK pledges more support to fight infections and appreciate Pakistan’s initiative to launch ‘preparedness and respond plan’ against Coronavirus.

Balanced and smart lockdown can be viable options, says Prime Minister Imran Khan. He said the war against the coronavirus pandemic can only be won through national unity and coordinated efforts of all stakeholders concerned. He was speaking at the ‘Ehsaas’ Telethon being simultaneously telecast by the PTV and private TV channels to raise funds to fight COVID-19. Following the telethon, the total deposits in the PM Relief Fund for COVID-19 reached Rs2.76 billion as further donations continued to pour in the advertised account of National Bank of Pakistan’s main branch, Karachi.

Imran Khan said the entire world is struggling against coronavirus which has emerged as the major global issue. He said the lockdown adversely affected the world economy, resulting in growing poverty across the globe, especially in developing countries like Pakistan. The Prime Minister said, government will come into action if anyone violates 20-point standard operating procedures. Doctors advise strict lockdown to contain virus spread and stressed the government to reverse its decision of allowing congregational prayers and relaxing the lockdown.

The writer is former Director National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) Government of Pakistan, a political analyst, a public policy expert, and a published author. His book post 9/11 Pakistan was published in the United States. His book Existential Question for Pakistan was recently launched and highly recommended as a must read for everyone