Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said he wanted the nation to "observe this Eid in a different manner from the usual celebratory style" and share the grief of those who lost their loved ones in Karachi plane crash and all those who have lost their lives to COVID-19.
In his message on Twitter, the premier said, “I want our nation to observe this Eid in a different manner from the usual celebratory style. First, let us think of & pray for all those families who have been deprived of their loved ones by the plane crash tragedy & all those who have lost their lives to COVID19.”
PM Imran Khan also urged the nation to observe standard operating procedures (SOPs) with regard to controlling the spread of coronavirus by strictly adhering to the social distancing on the occasion of Eid.
“Second, everyone must remember to observe the SOPs in place for COVID19. The disease is with us & social distancing must be strictly observed throughout the Eid holidays, including during Eid prayers. May Allah blesses our nation,” he said in a second tweet.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's Office reminded the public to celebrate Eid while following precautions.
"For the well-being of your loved ones, follow the SOPs provided by the govt. Avoid crowded places, observe social distancing, exchange Eid greetings from a distance and be there for the underprivileged affected by #COVID19 lockdown," it said in a tweet.
On Friday, a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) passenger plane with an estimated 99 people on board had crashed in Karachi's Model Colony near Jinnah International Airport. The Sindh Health Ministry on Saturday confirmed that 97 people died while two survived the crash.
Eid-ul-Fitr 2020 comes as Pakistan has so far recorded more than 53,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19, which has killed at least 1,123 people since the first case was reported on February 26.