PM Imran Khan, President Arif Alvi wish nation a blessed Ramadan

• Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Arif Alvi wish the nation a blessed Ramadan.
• PM Imran Khan reminds people to help the needy and fight corruption during the holy month.
• President Alvi insists citizens follows coronavirus SOPS to keep themselves and their loved ones safe during the ongoing third wave of the virus.

ISLAMABAD: As the moon for the blessed month of Ramazan was sighted across Pakistan and the nation would observe the first fast of the month on April 14, 2021, Prime Minister Imran Khan and the President of Pakistan Arif Alvi sent congratulatory messages to the nation.

In his message, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the purpose of fasting is to induce a sense of abstinence, piety, and kindness in a person.

"These days, humanity is suffering from the ravages of the pandemic," the PM said. "Therefore, the government has formulated the coronavirus standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Taraweeh and Itikaf prayers during Ramadan."

The PM added that the nation has to face this critical situation together by taking special care of the needy.

Speaking about corruption, the premier said that elements involved in profiteering and hoarding have to be discouraged during the holy month.

"May Allah Almighty grant us success in this hour of trial with patience and perseverance," the premier said.

On the other hand, President Arif Alvi said that the month of Ramadan provides people with the opportunity to live a cautious life. 

The president also insisted people follow the government's coronavirus SOPs during Ramadan to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.

"The third wave of coronavirus is more intense and dangerous than ever before, the president said. "The government, in consultation with religious scholars, have formulated special SOPs for mosques."

"Keep a distance of three feet from other people when offering prayers in mosques," the president said, adding that the Ulema also suggest people perform ablution at home and carry their own prayer mats to the mosques to minimise the spread of COVID-19.