Name: Shia clerics insist on bringing out processions
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Shia clerics insist on bringing out processions

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AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementISLAMABAD: Several Shia groups have conveyed to the government that they will bring out processions to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali and it cannot ban them.The resolve was expressed by top Shia clerics belonging to different religio-political groups during a meeting with Minister for Religious Affairs Pir Noor-ul-Haq Qadri here on Friday. The Shia clerics belonging to Sindh and Punjab participated in the meeting through video link.The minister said the current situation required the protection of people from coronavirus and it should be the top priority. He said that permission for the processions would be granted after consultation with the provinces.The meeting was called to discuss the mourning processions and gatherings related to the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali falling on May 13 to 15 (19th to 21st Ramazan).While the Sindh government took the decision to ban the processions on April 28, the leaders of Shia groups expressed their defiance only two days ago.Leaders of Shia groups meet minister“This created a conflict-like situation. The government should have controlled the social media activism by sectarian groups,” said a senior Shia cleric. He said some proscribed groups had issued provocative and derogatory statements on social media following the Sindh government’s decision.During the meeting, Mr Qadri lauded the clerics’ role and said religious circles had largely implemented the 20-point action plan agreed between the government and ulema. He praised the managements of Shia mosques for abiding by the directives.The meeting was attended by Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen head Allama Nasir Abbas, Shia Ulema Council secretary general Allama Arif Wahidi and Tehreek Nifaz-i-Fiqah Jafaria (TNFJ) senior leaders Allama Basharat Imami and Allama Qamar Zaidi.Allama Nasir Abbas and Allama Arif Wahidi pointed out that President Arif Alvi had announced that the processions commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali too would be allowed following the SOPs agreed under the 20-point action plan.However, Allama Qamar Zaidi told the religious affairs minister that the TNFJ would not accept any obstruction or binding to restrict the processions.Published in Dawn, May 9th, 2020AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementComments (83) Closedthey should learn form iran and see for themselves the death this virus is causing . if they are happy to die it is their problem, but should not jeopardise the rest of the countryBest option of IK, revoke lock down before start of procession.This is the situation of our country. Clerics threaten the elected democratic government. SadWho needs a government, when they can be openly defied without ramifications!Shia clerics seems encouraged by the 'mosque congregational prayers' permision of Pakistan Government.Shias have equal right on bringing our processions. It should either be banned for all sects or none.Ban on procession is not justified and acceptable by the devotees who are faithful believers of Hazrat Amir al Momneen Ali A.SGood jobReligious rites are supreme, govt laws are secondary. President has allowed the procession with 20 points SOPs. Now, why stop this?The most respectable Shia Clerics should be explained to see what happened in Qum Iran congregations. The effected pilgrims from that gatherings came to Pak and we are yet facing those spreads. It’s better to cancel this year rally, but if it’s so crucial than follow guidelines keep distances, and cut down to lower numbers of participants. Inshallah all will be well.Why it has to be negotiated ? Not allowed period ! Don’t be a weak government.Hazarat Ali is our hero and procession must be begin soon Inshallah.Why notEqual rights. Time to demonstrate.The religio-political groups in Pakistan are more powerful than any provincial or federal government.Across religious and across nations, juloos and conggregations and crowd pulling has become a norm. It has come to be a display of religiousness and piousness. While in no religion crowd pulling is advised.This is a practice manufactured by custodians of religion- no matter which religion. Religion is a private affair between the individual and the almighty. This basic fundamental tenet is what we seem to have forgotten.If they are so adamant at taking out processions, then they should at least adopt safety measures so that they are not infected by the Corona virus. The problem is not dealing with the disease, the problem is a sudden influx which the already overburdened health system of Pakistan may not be able to handle. A steady stream of patients can be managed, not a flood.these mullah has ruined PakistanProcession will not give food, and hardly there are rights that you can demand.What an immature approachInstead of processions this year they should volunteer to serve corona patientshere we go again@M. Emad, You mean Shia have no mosque to pray ? No lame excuses. A prayer can be finished in 5 minutes but a procession will take hours. Prayer is mandatory but a procession is not even mustahibLockdown is opening from today so ok go ahead.When Sunni can go to Mosques defying social distancing then why Shia can't take processions.@Tilu, elected democratic government, are you sure?@Insperation , shia are also going to imam bargah for namaz.If you allow congregational prayer then how will you stop this procession?? You earlier talked about equal rights, now show that.Governments shouldnt allow themselves to be bullied, This is all due to weak leadership! We have been let down by the noble kindhearted leader. Another sad day for us!States witnin state...@Insperation , yeah true when one group is irresponsible why not the other too.Can they safely ‘Social Distance’ and have the processions?They should be allowed but with all proper distancing and masks.Good going ... keep it up...All the Best....This was bound to happen when you allow others to open mosques and openly flout government protocols. Law should be uniform and implemented rigorously. Otherwise it's okay.@M. Emad, Sunni clerics were being arrested, praying masses were threatened for consequences, FIRs were lodged against them and now lets see how they come against from their own shia community.all sort of religous and political processions that block roads and disrupt and threaten public life should be banned.So many people in the picture and zero social distancingThe issue will be resolved as an honest government is in power.Those with evil design to hurt the country will fail.Living in past and screwing the present.PPPs resistance is mere superficial, it will allow it at the eleventh hour.Just like US - Iran affectatious animosity.Clerics need money - this is there season.IK made it clear that Pakistan is an independent country so its decisions are not affected by what other Muslim countries decide about handling Covid-19 virus problem. If mosques are allowed to have regular congregations in mosques why not Shia holy processions.It will be better if govt allows them in parts using social distancing else these people will be out in massesComply with SOPs and go ahead. Enjoy.Approval of such demands shall give rise to more demands.@Insperation , If Shia's are wise enough, they can stay indoor and save lives of their sect. Let others face the wrath of corona. But the competition is the cause of all these things.That is not a smart move.These groups need to be dealt with firmly. Do not they have any concern for people?Feel sorry for the honest and hard working government.Spine less government.@Baba, Coronavirus in back burner...If mosques for religious prayers are allowed, then by the same yardstick this also needs to be allowed. We should put some terms and conditions.They should be allowed. Procession is more important then well being of fellow humans.They are right.@AtifK, processions are not parallel to masjids but imam bargah. there is no ban on imam bargah with SOPs what masjids are required to follow. but processions are altogether a different issue where masjid like SOPs cannot be framed/followed.Are they serious?@M. Emad, Mind your Bengali business!Let them do it.population needs to be curtailed and its the only wayYes, correct demand@Dr. Syed Hussain Zaidi, Same as allamas ...The clerics must not insist , see the gravity of the situation and postpone the procession.@Science, holding prayers in mosque is totally different than holding procession open.During prayer people stand in an organized manner not wandering here and there but in case of procession you cannot control masses..It's totally illogical to equate both scenarios. Shia's can go to mosque if they want no body stopping them.. similarly sunnis are/ should not allowed to hold gatherings in open.Not a smart idea congregating with social distancing rules in place.I have a lot of reservations on the cleric's point of view of our country@Omer, logic?@xforme, did government learn?Maybe allow it, but enforce a 2 week quarantine for everyone involved. Or at least demand that they self quarantine in exchange for the permission to have this processionOne day, we have to end the lockdown in any way. Yes, right now it appears horrific but how long you can keep people inside their houses. Moreover, people going to market, talking to people, so they are already infected. The processions and meetings with people on the other hand will certainly risk some infections but at the same time some will develop the Herd Immunity also. And this is this Herd Immunity that will save the mankind from this horrible virus. So I, think, allowing the procession will not be a horrific idea.Faster you start faster you will end this problems.@Taimur, There is no percentage in your suggestion.@xforme, exactlyI agree with youEvery should stay within their limits!Are there any sane person or group left in the country. The government answer should be an emphatic No.The Government should be sensitive since its a religious issue. The final decision should be taken after taking into account all possible fallouts,even Iran is not going to allow that any more...It is their right.What else can they say or demand at this crucial juncture in time and history?Whenever there is a conflict between science and religion, you will come out ahead putting your bets on science.@Tilu, It is Islamic Republic.If sunnis can be seen congregating without any care, all over the place, and can negotiate their rights from a weak government, shias will do the same.free for all it seems. enjoy the consequences.@Truthsayer, no they don't, not at the expense of the safety and safety of other citizens. They can do their prayers and procession af home. Where they are not risking other peoples lives. Two wrong don't make a rightA other proof this government is not in control of anything. The mullahs and clerics are. They always have been. Even though they don't physically occupy any seats in the parliament or run for elections.Go for it.It is their religious right and duty in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement010203040506070809The issue with the PTA’s vision of the internet in Pakistan is that it only views it from a security and business lens, completely ignoring citizens' basic rights.AdvertisementThe world’s most consequential relationship between the US and China needs to be managed responsibly.There are many precedents for the ‘minus-one formula’ and ‘technical knockout’ in Pakistan’s political history.SOCIAL hyperpolarisation, gradually becoming apparent not just in developing democracies but also in the more ...AFTER over six years since the project was launched, Karachi got its second multicoloured bus rapid transit line to...The world’s initial response to the tragedy has so far been underwhelming at best.THE families of missing people are caught in a nightmare that appears to have no end. 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AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementISLAMABAD: Several Shia groups have conveyed to the government that they will bring out processions to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali and it cannot ban them.The resolve was expressed by top Shia clerics belonging to different religio-political groups during a meeting with Minister for Religious Affairs Pir Noor-ul-Haq Qadri here on Friday. The Shia clerics belonging to Sindh and Punjab participated in the meeting through video link.The minister said the current situation required the protection of people from coronavirus and it...

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Shia clerics insist on bringing out processions

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