Black Friday contrary to religious values

A top official comes out in the open to protest against sales pitch of consumer goods under the banner of Black Friday

ISLAMABAD: A top government official came out in the open to protest against sales pitch of consumer goods under the banner of Black Friday. The day is held, particularly in the USA, to mark the start of Christmas discount sales season. However, the term is alien to Pakistani culture and its recent introduction has raised eyebrows. Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Chaudhry Abdul Ghafoor criticising the celebration of Black Friday said that it was against Islamic teachings. It is disgusting that some business tycoons are bringing Friday the bad name of ‘black’ just to blindly follow the West for increasing their business. Friday is a gift for Muslims, which is holy, blessed, and virtuous day. Businesses can use other ways for publicity and sales pitch, he said. Ulema and Mashayekh need to protest against this attribute to bring false names for this holy day for personal gains of business interests.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 23^rd, 2017.