LAKKI MARWAT/BAJAUR: The Naurang tehsil administration has sought the help of religious scholars, particularly prayer leaders, in enforcement of the Covid-19 standard operating procedures in letter and spirit.

Speaking at a meeting with ulema in Naurang city the other day, additional assistant commissioner Aminullah Khan said the third coronavirus wave was the deadliest and there was need to sensitise people to the importance of observing precautions.

The meeting discussed matters pertaining to enforcement of SOPs and the ulema’s role in that regard.

He asked the clerics to ensure observance of SOPs in mosques and seminaries. He said the ulema’s help could prove useful in stemming the coronavirus cases in the district. He asked the prayer leaders to convince people to observe social distancing in mosques, avoid visiting crowded places, wear masks and use hand sanitisers.

The prayer leaders assured to highlight the importance of observing precautions against Covid-19 in Friday sermons.

In a separate development, deputy commissioner Abdul Haseeb along with district police officer Imran Khan distributed hundreds of facemasks among citizens in the Lakki city on Monday in order to raise awareness about the importance of observing Covid-19 SOPs.

Assistant commissioner Umer Bin Riaz, district health officer Dr Abdugul and district food controller Aman Khan also accompanied them.

The officials interacted with the citizens at the bus terminals, fruit markets, hotels and other public places and sensitised them to the importance of adhering to the precautions against the pandemic.

They also visited banks and educational institutions to check adherence to the Covid protocols.

During visit to schools, the deputy commissioner appreciated students for wearing facemasks and called upon them to raise awareness about SOPs in their respective localities. He told the citizens that as the third Covid wave was the deadliest they should ensure adherence to precautions against it.

Meanwhile, authorities in Bajaur imposed Section 144, banning public gatherings for a month in the wake of surge in Covid-19 cases, according to a notification issued by deputy commissioner Mohmand Fayyaz Khan.

It said the restriction had been imposed in consultation with the local health officials after a surge in positive cases.

The violators of the ban would be proceeded against under section 188 of PPC.

Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2021