Protocols flouted as Eid fever grips Pakistan

Islamabad - Eid Al Adha was celebrated in Pakistan amid calls for following precautionary measures to stem the spread of coronavirus

The nation celebrated Eid Al Adha on Saturday amid calls for following precautionary measures to stem the spread of coronavirus.
Political leaders took to Twitter to remind people of the importance of health protocols and also urged them to take care of people around them, especially those who were less well-off.
Coronavirus cases in Pakistan have continued to decline in the past weeks - a development the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan dubbed as the result of its "successful" anti-Covid-19 strategy.
However, experts have warned against declaring an early victory with many fearing another spike in cases after Eid Al Adha, similar to what happened in June in the aftermath of Eid Al Fitr.
Despite repeated requests for people to adhere to standard operating procedures large gatherings, with little or no social distancing measures in place, were seen across the country.
Some big mosques, like Lahore's Badshahi Mosque that saw a huge gathering, installed sanitizing gates to keep worshippers protected.
However, most congregations did not follow the social distancing protocols.
President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan in their Eid messages urged the nation to strictly observe precautionary measures in an effort to curb the spread of Covid-19.
President Alvi urged people to help the needy as the coronavirus pandemic had negatively affected the economy, The Express Tribune reported.
Prime Minister Khan, in his message, said the pandemic had become a challenge for humanity and the entire world is faced with a critical situation.

• Pakistan