ISLAMABAD: Amid a surge in Covid-19 cases, President Arif Alvi on Friday observed severe violations of standard operating procedures (SOPs) during Eidul Azha prayers at Faisal Mosque - the biggest Eid congregation in the federal capital.

Besides taking serious notice of the violations, the president also expressed his displeasure on the performance of the local administration and directed it and other relevant departments to ensure adherence to preventive measures against the deadly virus that has claimed over 22,000 lives in the country since its outbreak in 2020.

“President Dr Arif Alvi, taking serious notice of the violation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) against coronavirus during the Eid prayers at Faisal Mosque, has directed the departments concerned to observe strict compliance,” an official press release issued from the Presidency said.

In a letter addressed to the interior secretary with their copies sent to the ministries of national health services and religious affairs as well as the Islamabad Capital Administration (ICT) administration, the president expressed his displeasure over the violation of SOPs.

Directs relevant depts to ensure strict compliance of health guidelines

“The president has shown displeasure and desired that all concerned departments may be directed to ensure strict compliance of Covid-19,” the letter shared by the presidency’s media wing said.

The letter mentioned that during Eidul Azha prayers at Faisal Mosque on July 21, President Alvi observed serious violations of health guidelines.

“In the wake of the fourth wave of Covid-19, the observance of Covid SOPs has become all the more important to minimise its impact through implementation of stringent measures,” the president wrote in his letter.

He directed that violators of precautionary measures be dealt with in accordance with law.

Due to sharp rise in cases of the deadly virus, Sindh on Friday imposed new restrictions, closing down educational institutions, marriage halls, hotels, restaurants and restricted business timings.

The curbs came at a time when Pakistan surpassed the grim milestone of one million coronavirus cases on Friday.

During the last 24 hours, the country reported 1,425 cases, taking the national tally to 1,000,034. Of these, 1,002 were reported in Sindh.

According to the National Command and Operation Centre, 25,215 tests were conducted during this period, and the positivity rate was recorded as 5.65pc. A total of 11 deaths were also reported, following which the overall casualty toll has risen to 22,939.

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2021