Interior Ministry issues new guidelines for Eid Holidays

The Interior Ministry of Pakistan has issued new guidelines for the coming days as Coronavirus continues to take its toll in the country. The decision after much decision was based on the discussion during the meeting at the National Command Operation Center NCOC on the 27^th of April 2021.

The circular directs the relevant departments to ensure, “Timely issuance of SOPs/guidelines for Itekaf, Shab-e-Qadar, Jumma-tul-Wida and Namaz-e-Eid.”

The circular has directed for a complete ban on tourism in the country from 8^th to 16 May 2021, including the Eid holidays. This ban is extended and directed at the closure of tourist resorts, public parks, and hotels in and around the tourist spots to remain closed.

This ban comes keeping in mind the fact that traditionally a lot of Pakistani families prefer spending Hot vacations in the Northern areas like Murree and other tourist destinations with the colder environments. Last year too, even after the issuance of SOPs, many people saw to travel to the Northern areas during Eid vacations.

That is why the circular directs, “Travel nodes leading to tourist spots closed; focus on Murree, Galiyat, Swat-Kalam, Sea View/ Beaches and Northern Areas etcetera. This particular direction does not mention a specific range of time when this is applicable so this might be for days other than Eid days.

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The circular has also banned inter-provincial and inter-city transport during the Eid holidays. The only exemption is given to the locals of Gilgit Baltistan who want to return to their homes.

Other than closing public places during Eid Holidays, the new guidelines for managing the coronavirus pandemic have also directed the general closure of all tourist resorts, public parks, hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and transport.

Lastly, uninterrupted electricity supply during Eid Holidays is to be ensured as well.

Statistics 27 April 21:
Total Tests in Last 24 Hours: 43,981
Positive Cases: 4487
Positivity % : 10.20%
Deaths : 142

— NFRCC (@NFRCCofficial) April 26, 2021

It is worth mentioning that according to NCOC, in the last 24 hours, Pakistan has seen a positivity ratio of 10.2 percent while the testing has fallen from 50,161 tests on 25^th April to 43,981 tests done on 26^th. 142 people have died from the virus across the country.