Islamabad: Prime Minister Imran Khan has welcomed Sri Lanka's decision to lift a ban on the burial of bodies of people whose deaths were caused by Covid-19.

Taking to twitter, PM thanked Sri Lankan government for allowing alow burial option for those dying of Covid-19.

I thank the Sri Lankan leadership & welcome the Sri Lankan govt's official notification allowing the burial option for those dying of Covid 19.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 26, 2021

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also expressed his sentiments saying that this display of mutual understanding and respect is important for prosperity.

Pakistan is grateful to the leadership of Sri Lanka for allowing the option of burial for victims of #Covid19. Indeed it is these very principles of mutual understanding, respect and humanity that bring relationships to thrive and prosper. 🇵🇰 🇱🇰 https://t.co/wdUZzaaUVT

— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) February 26, 2021

In March 2020, Sri Lankan government imposed regulations saying that the bodies of Covid-19 victims could only be cremated. Thousands of Muslims started protesting against the move, calling government to reverse its decision.

The rules banned burial, saying that coronavirus could spread by contaminating groundwater, on the other hand, the Muslim groups insisted the government’s decision had no scientific base and cremating a body went against their Islamic faith.

Prime Minister Imran Khan took up this issue with Sri Lankan political leaders on his two-two visit to Colombo followed by Sri Lankan government finally lifting the controversial ban and allowing Covid-19 victims to be buried.