Coronavirus lockdown: PUC asks PM to exempt mosques, seminaries from utility bills

ISLAMABAD: Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) and President Wafaq-ul-Masajid Madaris-e-Pakistan Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi has appealed to Prime Minister Imran Khan to grant exemption for mosques and seminaries from utility bills for next four months amidst prevailing coronavirus lockdown scenario in the country.

In a letter to Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi stated that amidst prevailing COVID-19 lockdown scenario, all the mosques and seminaries are close and donations for mosques and seminaries from affluent people of society are completely suspend and therefore government should grant exemption for mosques and seminaries from utility bills for the months of Rajab, Shaban, Ramzan and Shawal.

He stated in a letter that public has been obstructed to visit mosques and seminaries amidst prevailing lockdown scenario; therefore, Masjid administrations are facing multiple challenges like many others in the country.

The PUC chairman stated that the government should also take care of the needs of clerics and Imams associated with Masjid and seminaries amidst ongoing lockdown in the country and relief assistance should also be provided to the staff and employees of Masjid and seminaries.

Meanwhile, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi talking to media here on Sunday also stated that seminaries and Masjid support the government in every thick and thin; therefore it is responsibility of the state now to take care of seminaries and Masjid staff amidst ongoing lockdown scenario.

He said the seminaries and Masjid administrations receive charities and donations from public specifically during the months of Shaban and Ramzan for their needs and as Masjid and madaris are lockdown; therefore government should take care of the needs and necessities of staff associated with them.

He said that government has announced to support the public amidst lockdown scenario, therefore, Prime Minister Imran Khan should also announce special relief packages for teaching staff of seminaries and staff of Masjid in wake of coronavirus pandemic lockdown.

He said clerics, Imams, and teaching staff of seminaries are important part of the society; therefore it is responsibility of the state and state institutions to look after the needs and necessities of these people.