This move encroaches upon the freedom of our religious minorities
SKARDU: That Pakistan poses a threat to its minorities is a statement that invites regular scorn from ‘patriotic’ nationalists. But the passing of the new bill Ehtram-e-Ramazan by the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs helps validate this claim, no matter what one may argue against.
In fact, the bill under which penalties for the hotel owners violating the ordinance has been increased from Rs500 to Rs25,000, people smoking or eating openly during Ramazan will be fined Rs500 along with three-month imprisonment and TV channels or cinema houses violating the law will be fined Rs500,000 or more. This move not only encroaches upon the freedom of our religious minorities but also mocks the condition of differently abled and women of our country. Neither of the latter have control over their biological needs owing to their respective conditions.
Zohra Waseem
Published in The Express Tribune, May 15th, 2017.
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