Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM), a leading representative of the Shia community in Pakistan, has opposed the ban on Yum-e-Ali processions, reported 24NewsHD TV Channel.

The party’s central Deputy Secretary General, Allama Syed Ahmad Iqbal Rizvi, in a statement issued from the MWM Media Cell on Saturday said that his community would observe the day, programmes and processions as per traditional way and schedule.

But, he ensured to follow all the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the government for avoiding coronavirus during the processions on the day. He confirmed that the hosts of the processions would distribute masks and sanitisers among the participants.  

He expressed a hope that the government would not take any decision that can hurt the religious feelings of the general public. 

MWM Chief Allama Raja Nasir Abbas will hold a press conference tomorrow on May 2 against the ban too.

Pertinent to mention here that the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Saturday morning announced to impose a ban on Yum-e-Ali processions across the country amid the ongoing COVID-19 third wave.

Connecting to the NCOC decision of banning procession, the Ministry of Interior also sent a letter to all provincial home secretaries to ensure implementation on it in any case. The letter further ordered to follow SOPs in the ‘Majalis’ (religious sittings).