PESHAWAR: Most of political parties have called off Eid Milan parties and asked their workers to celebrate Eidul Fitr in a simple manner and practise social distancing during the festival to protect themselves from coronavirus (Covid-19).

In a statement here on Saturday, the Qaumi Watan Party said the party leaders won’t meet workers during Eid days, so the latter should avoid unnecessary movement for protection from the virus.

It also expressed deep shock at the loss of lives in the Karachi plane crash and declared the incident extremely unfortunate.

QWP leaders Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao and Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao condoled deaths and expressed sympathies with families of the victims.

Urge workers to practise social distancing

Similarly, Awami National Party provincial secretary Sardar Hussain Babak said party chief Asfandyar Wali Khan had already advised his party people to celebrate Eid with simplicity and ensure their protection from coronavirus.

They said there would be no party functions on Eid due to Covid-19 pandemic.

The ANP leaders said the coronavirus crisis had badly affected the life and it was time to create awareness among people of how to ensure safety, especially by practising social distancing.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz provincial president Amir Muqam has also cancelled Eid Milan party and asked party workers to stay indoors on the occasion of Eidul Fitr to prevent Covid-19, whose incidence in the province was on the rise.

He said party workers should support the poor people in their respective areas to help them celebrate Eid.

Pakistan Peoples Party provincial president Humayun Khan said he would celebrate Eid in his native village, Malakand, but his party would follow instructions of the party chairman to celebrate the post-Ramazan festival with simplicity.

He urged party workers to extend financial help to the poor people in their areas, especially those affected by Covid-19 pandemic.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2020