Sindh High Court (SHC), on Friday, has rejected a petition filed against the government ban on congregational prayers – essentially ratifying government’s measures against combating COVId-19 outbreak.
The petitioner – Sumaira Mohammadi, had advocated that people cannot be barred from visiting mosques by government, as it is one of their basic human rights i.e. to freely practice religious freedom as promised by constitutional provisions.
Deputy attorney general Sindh, in response, informed the court that a meeting of all the prominent religious leaders and clerics is scheduled on April 18, at President House – to discuss and formulate a unanimous policy regarding congregational prayers in light of the holy month of Ramazan. He also explained the fact that mosques are not locked, and prayers are being held regularly by mosque staff and administration.
The SHC bench had reserved the judgment on the petition on Wednesday and had inquired about the federal and provincial policies relating to congregational prayers.
CM Sindh Murad Ali Shah, on Thursday had announced that a complete lockdown will be observed in the province on Friday (today) – between 12 pm to 3 pm.
“The masses should refrain from praying in the mosques. Everything will be closed during the lockdown, while mosques will remain open for a limited congregation,” he noted.
