ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan has said that the role of Ulema and religious scholars in fight against coronavirus is vital.
Addressing a press conference along with Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Noorul Haq Qadri here, after Prime Minister Imran Khan’s meeting with Ulema here on Monday, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said it has been decided that mosques will remain open throughout the country while prayers will be offered following the precautionary measures against spread of coronavirus.
She said the religious scholars of the country supported the stance of the Prime Minister to fight coronavirus, unemployment and hunger. She said Ulema community has acknowledged and appreciated the Prime Minister’s initiative of consultative meetings with them to devise a comprehensive strategy during Ramadan in view coronavirus.
The special assistant said Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed to release all clerics and worshippers who were arrested for violating restrictions on mosques.
She said the Prime Minister also instructed Pakistan Television Network to begin a televised programme for seminary students so that they don’t miss out their education during lockdown.
Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said Ulema should also guide the people on precautionary measures against coronavirus while obeying the Shariah.
Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said on the demand of Ulema, the Prime Minister directed Finance Ministry to prepare a framework for interest free loans to seminaries.
She said Prime Minister has also asked his economic advisers to seriously look into suggestion of Mufti Taqi Usmani and Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman for having an interest-free economy.
“Prime Minister Khan said COVID-19 is a big challenge and we have to deal with it with the strength of our faith,” she said.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Religious Affairs Noor-ul-Haq Qadri said the Ulema have assured their full support and cooperation in government’s campaign against coronavirus.
He said Prime Minister appealed the Ulema to obey twenty-point agreement devised to follow the precautionary measures in mosques.
The minister said to seek mercy from Allah, the next Friday would be observed as ‘Youm-e-Tauba’ in the country. – TLTP
Ulema playing vital role in fight against virus: Firdous
