'They were abiding': Imran Khan's rival Bhutto says Pak PM blundered Ramzan Covid lockdown

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday slammed Imran Khan-led Pakistan Government for allowing congregational prayers in Mosques and for sending out "mixed messs". In an interview with a British brocaster, Bhutto said that Imran Khan's logic and reasoning to change restrictions which were alrey in place are beyond comprehension.

'I believe that this is a colossal failure of leership'

In a video clip of interview was shared by Pakistani journalist Naila Inayat praising Bilawal Bhutto. President of Pakistan Peoples Party said, "Given mix messaging coming from Federal Government, we look still engaging with religious community and try and convince m to abide by lockdown restrictions which y were alrey abiding by. But of course, that is w difficult as Prime Minister of country is on national television making it an issue about freedom. I believe that this is a colossal failure of leership in Pakistan."

He ded, "When we compare ourselves to rest of Muslim world like Saudi Arabia, Iran and ors, y are taking steps to save lives of ir citizens. This is t time for populous electoral decisions. It is time to take decisions on vice of doctors and health experts. Doctors of Pakistan from Lahore to Karachi are protesting or holding press conferences appealing to take those necessary steps to protect m and ease burden on our healthcare system."

'It is an important agreement'

Succumbing to pressure from hardline clerics, Pakistan government on Saturday allowed congregational prayers in mosques during month of Ramazan, endangering drive to curb spre of coronavirus. President Arif Alvi me anuncement after a meeting with religious leers and political representatives of all provinces.

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Alvi said a 20-point plan has been agreed upon. “It is an important agreement and it has been reached after consensus among all religious leers, he said.  clerics have agreed to follow government guidelines on social-distancing while praying in Mosques. According to agreement, people above of 50, mirs and those suffering from flu will t be allowed to enter mosques.

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Several countries including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Algeria, Tunisia, Jordan, Kuwait, Turkey, Syria, Leban and Egypt have stopped congregational prayers. In several Arab countries,  azan (call for prayer) has been amended and w it urges people to pray in ir homes.

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Pakistan on Thursday reported 224 deaths from vel Coronavirus while total number of cases surged to 10,513. According to details, 4590 patients have been tested positive for epidemic in Punjab, 3373 in Sindh, 1453 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 552 in Balochistan, 290 in Gilgit-Baltistan, 204 in Islamab and 51 in Az Kashmir. According to National Command and Operation Center, so far 2,337 patients of Coronavirus have been recovered, while 224 died and 60 ors are in a critical condition.

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(With ncy inputs)