Kohat district nazim's attempt to ban Valentine’s Day backfires

High-ranking police official says order discarded as it violates basic human rights

KOHAT: Kohat district nazim Maulana Niaz Mohammad imposed a ban on the celebration of Valentine’s Day in the district. However, the order was subsequently discarded as it was perceived as a violation of human rights.

When contacted, the district nazim told The Express Tribune on Friday said he decided to announce the ban because festivities associated with February 14 are “illegal”.

Ban on Valentine's festivities: 'Ministry has not issued any directives'

“Valentine’s Day has become a common and unnecessary part of our culture,” Niaz said. “There is no need to designate a special day where people give cards, chocolates and gifts to each other.”

Unconstitutional

The ban was not widely accepted and was discarded as it drew the ire of locals.

A high-ranking police official told The Express Tribune, “The order has been discarded as it is illegal and violates basic human rights.”

The official, who requested anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media, said the Constitution does not prohibit citizens from celebrating Valentine’s Day.

“As a result, it would be unfair to ban February 14 celebration as they are not illegal.”