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Eid is approaching and the government wants Pakistanis to stay home to prevent Covid from spreading further. That means no meeting family and friends, no hugs and definitely no kisses.

At least, that's what Special Assistant to the Punjab Chief Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan recently announced.

"In the whole of Punjab, no politician will be allowed to host Eid parties, and no mass gatherings will be allowed to happen," she told the media.

"Eid will not be celebrated in the traditional manner, with hugs and 'pappian and jhappiyan'," she said.

This comes after a complete lockdown was implemented in Punjab from May 8 to 15, crucially trying to limit the spread of the virus in the holiday season. The government announced public transport and tourism spots will remain shut, and police, Rangers, and army personnel will be deployed across the province to enforce the lockdown.

While her heart was in the right place, the internet found Awan's phrasing hilarious.

This user seems to be on to something, we are indeed witnessing the widening of Awan's dedicated circle of fans.

This user felt the announcement was a lot more personal.

And this user posed a question to Awan.

Her words might be funny, but Awan's message isn't. Stay home and stay safe everyone. Punjab saw a sharp surge in cases following Eid-ul-Azha and single day cases that had dropped to below 100 increased to 300.

After the first day of Eid, the province reported 277 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 besides five deaths during the last 24 hours, having reported 235 a day earlier.

We need to be safe and cautious, Pakistan. Enjoy your Eid, but don't be silly.