National
January 9, 2021
ISLAMABAD: Hajj this year might be more expensive if the Saudi government allowed it owing to the COVID-19, said Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Noorul Haq Qadri.
Talking to this correspondent, he said keeping in view the high cost of the Haj, the government could invite private operators for this year’s operations.
He said the Saudi government hadn’t informed any country whether it will allow pilgrims this year or not. However, Pakistan’s Haj Directorate in Jeddah is in regular contact with the Saudi Hajj Secretariat.
“We have officially written to the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination for provision of COVID Vaccine for pilgrims. The ministry is planning to procure vaccines for the healthcare personnel initially from China. We have requested the ministry to put the pilgrims in the priority category too. If the Saudi government allows in pilgrims this year, then we will vaccinate them before their departure
Home department closes madrasas across Sindh with immediate effect
Karachi
December 18, 2020
Due to concerns over the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in Sindh, the home department has ordered immediate suspension of all educational activities at madrasas across the province.
According to the notification issued by the home department, while exercising its powers under Section 3(1) of the Sindh Epidemic Diseases Act, the government has ordered immediate suspension of all educational activities at madrasas across the province.
Section 3(1) empowers the secretary of the Sindh Auqaf & Religious Affairs Department and the divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners to issue further orders, directions and notices to put this order into effect and issue further clarification for implementation.