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Pakistan high court bans Valentine's Day

13 February 2017 06:42 pm - 13     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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A Pakistani court Monday banned public celebrations of Valentine's Day in the capital Islamabad, the latest attempt by authorities to outlaw a holiday seen by many in the traditional Muslim society as vulgar and Western.

The Islamabad high court issued the order after a petitioner declared love was being used as a “cover” to spread “immorality, nudity and indecency... which is against our rich traditions and values”.

The ruling, seen by AFP and greeted with approval by Islamist parties, also called for the electronic and print media to stop promoting Valentine's Day.

Some restaurants in Islamabad continued to send out text messages advertising Valentine's Day promotions even after the ban was announced.

However preparations appeared muted in more conservative areas such as Peshawar, capital of northwestern Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, where only a handful of shops were selling Valentine's Day-themed goods.

The annual occasion is increasingly popular among young Pakistanis, many of whom seize the chance to celebrate romance by giving cards, chocolates and gifts to their sweethearts.

But the country remains deeply conservative, and many disapprove of the holiday as an indecent Western import.

Last year, Pakistan president Mamnoon Hussain had urged the nation to refrain from celebrating Valentine's Day, saying it had no place in the Muslim-majority nation. Other officials blasted it as “vulgar and indecent”. (AFP)


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  Comments - 13

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  • ceylon Monday, 13 February 2017 07:22 PM

    there high court also stupid. via DM Android App

    victor Monday, 13 February 2017 07:52 PM

    Pakistani Government has taken a correct step only the third world countries calibrate nonsense calibrating whats is not wanted our Sir Lanka Government should follow this order

    rosebud Monday, 13 February 2017 08:09 PM

    its widely acknowledged that Valentines Day Mothers Day etc etc are commercial gimmicks. Unnecessary commercial gimmicks. via DM Android App

    Kadiya Monday, 13 February 2017 08:12 PM

    Gammanpila, how about your two cent's worth?

    Bala Monday, 13 February 2017 10:17 PM

    Which is worse - celebrating Valentines Day or allowing stoning for adultery and underage marriage.

    Gamarala Tuesday, 14 February 2017 02:23 AM

    why the can't ban the bombs

    srilal Tuesday, 14 February 2017 07:43 AM

    What is better Love or Hate , which will result in conflict ? The youth will decide finally .

    Sonali Tuesday, 14 February 2017 08:04 AM

    What have they not banned except for sharia law.

    Mandy Tuesday, 14 February 2017 08:18 AM

    But this not compulsory - free choice to celebrate or not. Then why not ban everything a few do not like.

    Leo Tuesday, 14 February 2017 08:51 AM

    Those who oppose Valentines Day are ones who were never young and never knew or experienced youth Crushes or Youthful Love. via DM Android App

    Arnold Tuesday, 14 February 2017 03:17 PM

    Probably for the same reason we could not ban bombs for 27 years in Sri Lanka.

    Arnold Tuesday, 14 February 2017 03:19 PM

    Unless there is some discipline there will be hardly any difference between humans and animals.

    ceylon Tuesday, 14 February 2017 05:14 PM

    stupid high court you deliver the justice.dont meddle with love. via DM Android App


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