Thousands of people –- many not wearing masks — gathered in Lahore for a religious procession on Tuesday, fanning fears about the spread of the coronavirus after similar crowds were blamed in India for its own surge.
The government had issued a notice banning mass gatherings commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali (RA), but local negotiations with religious leaders failed.
Religious events staged in India in recent weeks, including the Kumbh Mela attended by millions of pilgrims, have been held responsible for spurring one of the worst crises of the pandemic to date, closely watched by Pakistan with growing anxiety.
“I have attended this procession every year for as long as I can remember,” said Ali Kazmi, 28, who took part in Lahore, where officials estimated between eight and ten thousand worshippers participated.
“They try to stop Shi’ite mourning ceremonies and processions using different excuses. It is [coronavirus] today, before that it was the issue of security. It’s all excuses.”
Members of the Shi’ite sect make up around 20 percent of the country’s 220 million population. Smaller processions were also held in major cities across the country, including Karachi.
Dressed in black, devotees chanted slogans and slapped their chests in unison while others whipped themselves with blades.
“We reject any restriction imposed on mourning ceremonies. Your local elections can take place, your markets are open, your government meetings are happening,” said Shia Ulema Council (SUC) in a statement ahead of the procession.
An official from the police department said they attempted to negotiate with clerics and religious leaders over the procession, who refused to back down. Security however was still provided.
The government is struggling to contain a third wave of infections, with more than 800,000 cases and 18,000 deaths declared.
The authorities have largely avoided clamping down on religious activities in recent months.
Mosques have remained open throughout the month of Ramadan, with few adhering to social distancing guidelines during huge nightly gatherings of worshippers.
However, private gatherings, shops, and restaurants have faced tight restrictions, with the army mobilised to help enforce rules.
The government has also announced a ban on travel between provinces and imposed closures on hotels and tourist spots for more than a week over Eidul Fitr celebrations, which usually spur the mass movement of people around the country.
