KP Govt bans Youm-e-Ali procession

PESHAWAR: The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) issued a notification announcing a ban on all processions related to Youm-e-Ali in the province.

This decision has been made in line with the earlier decision to restrict all religious gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic as means to control the spread of the virus.

The notification however stated that residents will still be allowed to hold Majalis in imambargahs on the basis that the standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the government are strictly observed.

The notification issued says. “In Pursuance of the Emergency regarding COVID-19 already declared and the reason recorded in this Department notification of even No. Dated 31st March 2020. Placing Government, for purposes of clarity, is pleased to direct that such limitations are also applicable to religious processions of any and all nature.

In pursuance of that, it is clarified that procession of any nature on the occasion of YOum-e-Ali shall not be allowed, Majalis may be held in Imam Bargahs while strictly ensuring social/physical distancing principles are applicable to all other religious congregations.”