Leading Pakistani doctors on Wednesday
called on the government and powerful clerics to reverse a decision to allow
prayers at mosques during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan out of concern that
large gatherings will lead to an explosion of corona virus cases.
called on the government and powerful clerics to reverse a decision to allow
prayers at mosques during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan out of concern that
large gatherings will lead to an explosion of corona virus cases.
Under pressure from clerics, the
Pakistani government over the weekend loosened restrictions on communal prayer
at mosques ahead of the beginning of Ramadan, which falls on April 24 in
Pakistan.
Pakistani government over the weekend loosened restrictions on communal prayer
at mosques ahead of the beginning of Ramadan, which falls on April 24 in
Pakistan.
Doctors with the Pakistani Medical
Association wrote in a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan and clerics on April
22 that lockdowns are needed to prevent the rapid spread of the coronavirus.
They said the health-care system is already being overrun by cases.
Association wrote in a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan and clerics on April
22 that lockdowns are needed to prevent the rapid spread of the coronavirus.
They said the health-care system is already being overrun by cases.
“We demand [a] strict lockdown to
contain rapid spread of COVID-19,” the letter said.
contain rapid spread of COVID-19,” the letter said.
“Unfortunately, our rulers have
made a wrong decision; our clerics have shown a nonserious attitude,”
Qaiser Sajjad, secretary-general of the Pakistani Medical Association, told a
news conference.
made a wrong decision; our clerics have shown a nonserious attitude,”
Qaiser Sajjad, secretary-general of the Pakistani Medical Association, told a
news conference.
Pakistan has a population of over 220
million people, and has recorded more than 10,000 COVID-19 cases and 212
deaths. The real numbers are likely much higher.
million people, and has recorded more than 10,000 COVID-19 cases and 212
deaths. The real numbers are likely much higher.
Doctors warn the country has fewer
than 3,000 ventilators and health workers lack enough protective gear.
than 3,000 ventilators and health workers lack enough protective gear.
