22nd April, 2020
A group of Pakistani doctors on Wednesday urged the government and clerics to reverse a decision to allow prayer congregations at mosques during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
The doctors warned that the spread of coronavirus (covid-19) could spiral out of control.
Dr. Qaiser Sajjad, the Secretary-General of the Pakistan Medical Association, said this at a news conference hastily convened by the doctors.
Pakistan on Saturday lifted precautionary restrictions on congregational prayers.
The decision came three days after clerics said such limitations were not acceptable and after several incidents of clashes between police and worshippers.
Congregations increase in size during Ramadan, which is expected to begin on Friday in Pakistan.
“Unfortunately, our rulers have made a wrong decision; our clerics have shown a non-serious attitude,’’ Sajjad said.
Pakistan had reported more than 10,000 cases of covid-19, including 212 deaths.