PHOTO: FILE
The business community may not be happy with the first directives issued by Islamabad’s first mayor who wants the strict implementation of the ‘one-dish law’ at weddings.
Sheikh Ansar Aziz during his maiden meeting with Chief Commissioner Zulfiqar Haider on Monday directed strict implementation of a 2006 Supreme Court judgment, under which only one dish is allowed at a wedding. There is also a complete ban on excessive decoration and lighting arrangements at wedding venues.
Though the capital was never exempted from the law, its implementation was very weak.
By contrast, the law is strictly followed in neighbouring Rawalpindi.
“One-dish [law] and time restrictions [to end a wedding ceremony] will be observed strictly with immediate effect, as per directions of the Prime Minister,” Aziz told The Express Tribune.
A senior official of the city administration said all assistant commissioners and magistrates will soon be assigned areas to monitor marriage halls and lawns to enforce the law.
A manager of a hotel at Sector G-6, who requested anonymity, said the decision will impact their business. He also said the recent orders had yet to be conveyed to hotels.
He explained that their businesses operated on advance bookings, and said it would be very difficult for establishments hosting weddings to convince their clients to change already finalised menus and decoration arrangements.
“We appeal to the mayor and administration to grant an exemption to functions booked before this new decision,” he said.
Under the 2006 directive, the apex court had directed the government to observe The Marriage Functions (Prohibition of Ostentatious and Wasteful Expenses) Ordinance 2000.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 8th, 2016.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ