ISLAMABAD – The government has announced a ban on Youm-e-Ali processionsacross Pakistan in the wake of the third intensive wave of coronaviruspandemic.

Pakistan’s top monitoring body on Saturday imposed a ban on Yaum-e-Aliprocessions whereas *majalis *will be permitted under strict Standardoperating procedures – which are already in place for the ongoing sacredmonth of Ramadan.

The decision was taken in the NCOC meeting which was attended by PlanningMinister Asad Umar and Lit-Gen Hamoodur Rehman. Provincial chiefsecretaries also attended the meeting via video link.

According to the latest update, *majalis *can only be held for a limitedtime. In case of non-compliance with SOPs, the organisers of the *majalis *willbe held accountable.

The development takes place as Pakistan reports 146 new coronavirus deathsin the last 24 hours while the total tally of Covid-19 cases now stands at825,519, with most cases reported in Punjab and KP.