Do's and dont's during Ramzan in Pakistan

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, NOV. 29. With the commencement of Ramzan, a stringent set of do's and dont's are being enforced by the Pakistan Government for those who are under obligation to fast. The steps, meant to preserve the sanctity of the holy month, are enunciated in what is known as Ehtram-e-Ramzan Ordinance, 1981, promulgated when General Zia-ul-Haq was at the helm of affairs. As per the Ordinance, eating or smoking in public during the fast hours would be liable for punishment up to three months in jail or a fine up to Rs. 500.

No proprietor, manager or other person in charge of a hotel shall offer or serve eatables to any person under an obligation to fast.

All cinema-houses, theatres and similar other establishments shall remain closed from the time of sunset to the expiration of three hours thereafter. Those found guilty could be punished with six months imprisonment or a fine up to Rs. 5000 or with both.

The restrictions, however, do not apply to a canteen or a kitchen maintained in a hospital for serving food to patients; a restaurant within the premises of a railway station, airport, seaport or bus stand or in a train or aircraft and a kitchen meant for children within the premises of a primary school.

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Section  : International
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