Coronavirus outbreak: Ulema ask people to comply with government orders

President Dr Arif Alvi urged the Ulema to advise and educate the people to stay indoors, and offer their prayers in homes, which would help in containing the spread of coronavirus.
The president expressed these views in a video conference held with governors of the provinces and Ulema from various schools of thought on Thursday.
During the consultative session, the president discussed with Ulema the situation arising out of COVID-19 pandemic and sought their cooperation to create awareness among the masses about the disease.
He highlighted the preventive measures, which needed to be taken by the people to stop the spread of the disease.
The president emphasized that the only solution to the present crisis was to maintain social distancing and act upon the guidelines provided by Islam to cope with such situation.
He appreciated the unity among Ulema, particularly the unanimous declaration issued by them on Wednesday in Karachi, which calls for adoption of preventive measures against COVID-19.
The Ulema assured their complete support, and said that they would comply with the instructions given by the government.
They said they had already taken a number of steps such as cancellation of religious congregations, postponement of convocations and examinations, besides declaring holidays for over three million Madressahs' students.
They advised the people to resort to Almighty Allah to rescue us from this crisis.
The Ulema appreciated the steps initiated by the government against the pandemic.
They also commended the relief measures taken by the government for the welfare of the needy.
The Ulema paid homage to the doctors and nurses who are on the frontline against this pandemic.
The president expressed his gratitude to the Ulema for supporting the policies of the government against coronavirus.
President AJK Sardar Masood Khan, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Pir Noorul Haq Qadri, provincial governors, including Governor Gilgit-Baltistan, Chairman, Council of Islamic Ideology, Qibla Ayaz, and Ulema from various schools of thought took part in the video conference.