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Friday, August 5, 2011

Pakistan: you eat, you get arrested

During Ramadan you must fast during the day, food is only allowed after sunset.  Even though the Qur'an says there is no compulsion in religion (2-256) this is a time when it is.  The religious police are out in force, making sure there is no illegal chewing or swallowing going on.  So far, 25 have been arrested.

This is Islam


From Rediff August 5

Pak: 25 jailed for eating in public during Ramadan


A total of 25 people were arrested and sent to jail in Pakistan's central Punjab province for eating in public during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.  The people were arrested in Faisalabad city this week for violating the Ehteram-e-Ramadan Ordinance, officials said.
 
A spokesman of the city district government said special teams had been formed to conduct raids and nab persons who were found eating in public. The raiding teams arrested 25 people from across the city for eating and drinking in public. These people were sent to jail for 72 hours, the spokesman said.
 
The Pakistan government has prohibited eating, drinking and smoking in public places during the fasting hours of Ramadan to "ensure the sanctity of the month."
 
The restrictions were imposed under the Ehteram-e-Ramadan Ordinance, which was introduced during the regime of late military ruler Zia-ul-Haq.
 
The ordinance prohibits serving of foods in public places, sets closure timings of cinema halls, theatres and other establishments and directs authorities to take steps for maintaining the sanctity of Ramadan.
 
Under the ordinance, all cinema halls, theatres and similar establishments remain closed during Ramadan from sunset for a period of three hours.

1 comment:

A Christian Woman Who Has Lived Under Shariah said...

What a shame the "prohibitions" meant to ensure the sanctity of Ramadan don't include murder.