Muslims observe first day of Ramadan on lockdown in Pakistan

Charity organisations are adapting to the rules imposed by the government by avoiding street crowds and not arranging a roadside iftar, the meal eaten at sunset to break the fast. Instead, they prepare boxes to deliver to people in need.

Karachi: Muslims in Pakistan observed the first day of the holy month of Ramadan on Saturday amid the new coronavirus pandemic.

Charity organisations such as the Jafaria Disaster Management Cell are adapting to the rules imposed by the government by avoiding street crowds and not arranging a roadside iftar, the meal eaten at sunset to break the fast.

Instead, they prepare boxes to deliver to people in need.

The streets in Karachi were largely deserted and all shops closed.

Shopping areas in the city remain empty in comparison to the usual crowds that buy food and fruit for breaking their first fast.

Mosques are also closed due to COVID-19 and no one is allowed to enter for prayers.

Pakistan has over 12,000 COVID-19 cases and 256 deaths.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

(AP)