COVID-19: Govt begins talks with ulema to finalise SOPs for Eid-ul-Azha cattle markets

ISLAMABAD: The government has started a consultation process with the provinces and religious leader to finalise the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the establishment of cattle markets and congregations for Eid-ul-Azha in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, reported The News.

Minister for Religious Affairs Noorul Haq Qadri presided over a consultative meeting on Saturday with Interior Minister Ejaz Ahmad Shah, Adviser to the Prime Minister Health Dr Zafar Mirza, Parliamentary Secretary on Health Aftab Jahangir, members of provincial assemblies and religious leaders.

Dr Mirza informed the meeting that the last two weeks of July could be highly fatal if precautionary measures are not taken in the country.

The meeting observed that as a 20-point declaration was reached between government and ulema concerning SOPs for mosques during the month of Ramadan, therefore, the SOPs for cattle markets and Eid congregations should also be finalised with consultation.

Qadri said along with the performance of religious duties, it was also vital to take care of people's health due to the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

In a meeting earlier this week, Shah had said the government was working out a comprehensive policy to contain the COVID-19 outbreak in the country during Eid-ul-Azha.

"Sacrifice of animals on Eid-ul-Azha is a religious obligation and the government will ensure every possible facility in this regard to manage the occasion safely and contain the risk of COVID-19 outbreak," the minister said.

He added that all the arrangements should be made in line with the safety measures and guidelines issued by the health authorities.

Shah said, "A clear strategy is being formulated in consultation with all stakeholders. We [will] also seek guidance from the ulema in this regard."

The protection of the livestock farmers’ interest would also be ensured, he added.

Originally published in The News