BATTAGRAM: Deputy commissioner Abdul Hameed Khan on Monday urged religious scholars to play their due role in asking the people to follow the government’s standard operating procedures to stem the spread of coronavirus.

During a meeting with a delegation of ulema here, the DC said the government had announced a complete lockdown for the non-essential businesses, while the district administration had imposed Section 144 in the district to strictly enforce SOPs for Covid-19 control and prevention.

He said the religious scholars should play their vital role for the effective SOP implementation.

Mr Abdul Hameed said worshipers should take precautionary measures against coronavirus during aitekaf and Eid congregations for own and others’ safety.

“People shouldn’t mingle with each other and observe physical distancing in mosques,” he said.

The DC said the religious scholars should urge mosque visitors to use face mask, maintain safe physical distance, and avoid handshakes and hugs.

The ulema assured him of the implementation of SOPs in mosques and contribution to the creation of public awareness of precautionary measures against coronavirus.

Meanwhile, the deputy commissioner asked the leaders of traders to help the district administration enforce lockdown.

He said the non-essential businesses would remain closed until May 16 and the violators of lockdown would be dealt with strictly under the law.

The DC also said the traders, who were exempted from the lockdown, should do business in line with SOPs.

He said the district administration would continue monitoring the quality and prices of essential items and would crack down on hoarding and profiteering for the relief of the people.

Published in Dawn, May 11th, 2021