39 held for violating Ramadan ordinance in Pakistan

Aug 07, 2011 |

Islamabad

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The owners of 39 hotels, canteens and eateries in Pakistan's Punjab province were arrested and sent to jail for violating an ordinance that bars eating and serving food in public during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, officials said on Sunday.

The people were arrested in Faisalabad city for violating the Ehtiram-e-Ramadan Ordinance, government spokesman said. The arrests were made during raids conducted across the city by teams of officials.

The raiding officers drew up 'chalans' or chargesheets against the 39 people and sent them to jail for 72 hours. Last week, authorities in Faisalabad arrested 25 people for eating and drinking in public.

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.

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