Love police: Regular flower vendors asked to pack up on Feb 14

PESHAWAR:

Gulbahar police banned sale of flowers on Valentine’s Day in some parts of the city on Sunday.

A police official told The Express Tribune, “Two days back, we received complaint florists would be selling flowers on Valentine’s Day in Gulbahar.” He added, “We asked [the florists] not to sell flowers on that particular day or action will be taken against them.” Even regular vendors, who sell flowers on a daily basis, were asked to pack up and leave on Sunday.

The police official stated, “I did not see enthusiasm among the people on Valentine’s Day as there are only a few people who buy flowers.”

However, florists could be seen selling flowers in Saddar and people were seen crowding shops selling gifts and cards.

Valentine’s Day is celebrated globally as an expression of love. However, over the past few years, right-wing parties have taken exception to the exchange of presents. This year, pictures were circulated of Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing ‘Haya Bus’ in the city, amid rumours celebrating couples would be forced to marry on the spot.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 15^th,  2016.