NCOC asks for cooperation as pilgrims return from Iraq, refuse to quarantine

The National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) has advised the pilgrims coming back from Iraq to undergo mandatory quarantine for their own safety.

The statement has come after pilgrims refused to follow the Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) upon their arrival.

Deputy Secretary-General of Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen Allama Nasir Abbas, previously warned that if the quarantine restriction of those returning to Pakistan from Karbala was not lifted, then the party would go and welcome them at the airports.

At the airport, pilgrims caused panic that other passengers had to face as well. As a result, the administration was forced to call the police to maintain the law and order situation.

The NCOC mentioned that Iraq was placed in Category C as the spread of coronavirus was rapid there.

“On the occasion of Arbaeen, people from across the world gather in [Karbala], therefore, the pilgrims coming back from there are a high-risk group,” NCOC stated.