‘Stay safe, stay home,’ urges PM Imran as Christians celebrate a subdued Easter

Christians across the country celebrated a moderate Easter Sunday due to the coronavirus pandemic that has claimed 88 lives in Pakistan and infected more than 5,000.

Due to the blockade imposed on the country, the faithful were confined to their homes in an effort to stop the spread of the disease.

On Twitter, Prime Minister Imran Khan urged those who celebrate to do so safely by praying at home.

"We wish all of our Christian citizens a Happy Easter. Please stay safe and keep your families safe during the Covid-19 pandemic by praying and celebrating at home and observing national security protocols," Imran said in a tweet.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi asked citizens to take advantage of this day to stand up together in the fight against the coronavirus.

In a tweet, he said: "A happy and safe Easter for everyone celebrating today. Let's embrace the spirit of this auspicious day and renew our pact to stand up together in our fight against # Covid-19, for a healthy, strong and progressive Pakistan."

Opposition leader in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif also urged the Christian community to celebrate the day at home, while taking precautionary measures to limit the spread of the disease.

"We wish a happy Easter to our Christian brothers and sisters in Pakistan and around the world. I urge you to live the spirit of this day, which represents rekindling hope, celebrating at home and taking all precautions that will limit and eliminate the spread of COVID-19. "

Elsewhere in the world, Italian authorities set up roadblocks around Milan to discourage people from taking Easter weekend trips.

British police closely monitored gatherings in parks and on the coast on one of the hottest days of the year. And France deployed some 160,000 police, including horse officers who patrolled beaches and parks.

With religious leaders from around the world urging people to safely observe Easter in their home, the Archbishop of Turin, Italy, allowed a live video display of the Shroud of Turin, which the faithful believe is the burial of Jesus, so they can pray. in front of that.

Pope Francis also celebrated an Easter vigil mass in an empty St. Peter's Basilica, where the footsteps of the pontiff and his little retinue could be clearly heard on the marble floor as they walked in slow procession to the altar.

Francis compared the fears of the coronavirus with the anxiety felt by the followers of Jesus after his crucifixion.

"For them, as for us, it was the darkest hour," he said, encouraging people to sow seeds of hope, with "little gestures of care."