Police and law enforcement officials were deployed across the country on Friday to ensure that prayer congregations remain restricted as the government fights to flatten the curve.
Every week, since the government started imposing restrictions on movement, law enforcement officials struggle to ensure that crowds do not gather for prayers on Friday, yet congregations are held across the country.
As of now, Pakistan has recorded 7,289 cases of the novel coronavirus while 137 people have died from the disease. Government officials have warned that the number of reported cases will increase along with the testing capacity. Initially, most cases were imported from other countries but now 58 per cent of the cases are of local transmission.
Five people attend Friday prayers at a mosque in Peshawar, maintaining distance as per the directives of the government. — AP
A worshipper wearing a facemask offers Friday prayers along with others outside a mosque in Islamabad. — AFP
A soldier gestures along a deserted road leading to a mosque in Karachi. — Reuters
People offer Friday prayers at a mosque in Lahore. — AP
Police officers check commuters' documents to verify the purpose of movement at a blocked road in Karachi. — Reuters
People offer Friday prayers outside a mosque in Islamabad. — AFP
A worshipper holds an umbrella as he offers Friday prayers along with others outside a mosque in Islamabad. — AFP
People offer Friday prayers at the Red Mosque in Islamabad. — AFP
Muslim devotees offer Friday prayers outside a closed mosque in Karachi. — AFP
Muslim devotees offer Friday prayers at a closed market in Lahore. — AFP
Policemen wearing facemasks stand guard outside a closed mosque in Lahore. — AFP
A policeman wearing a facemask stops a commuter beside a closed mosque during Friday prayers in Karachi. — AFP
Muslims wearing facemasks offer Friday prayers outside a mosque at a closed market in Islamabad. — AFP
A man walks on a deserted street in Karachi. — AFP
Header: Muslims maintain safe distance as they attend Friday prayer in a mosque in Karachi. — Reuters