Ihtram-e-Ramazan: Faisalabad prepares for the holy month

DCO pledges strict imposition of Ramazan Ordinance.

FAISALABAD:

District coordination officer (DCO) Naseem Sadiq has said that the Ihtram-e-Ramzan Ordinance will be implemented in letter and spirit throughout the district.

Sadiq said the ordinance would be adhered to in every aspect during the holy month and that all eateries, restaurants and dhaaba’s in the district would remain closed during the day.

Special teams have been assigned to monitor the district in this regard. “It is their responsibility to check the prices of essential commodities as well as ensure that no one is seen eating in public,” he said.

The DCO directed the special price magistrates to perform their duties with diligence. “No one can be allowed to eat and drink in public places during fasting hours and people violating these rules will be fined heavily,” said district officer (DO) Shehzad Malik. The DCO also said that the ordinance would be relaxed at hospitals, general bus stands, railway stations and primary schools. “Several people often purchase food for Iftar from general stores at bus stands and people commuting to different localities require such facilities,” Malik said. The DCO also stated that the teams would monitor issues of ‘public decency’.

“Shopkeepers and store owners should take care not to tune their televisions to any vulgar channels and radios should be tuned into national radio transmissions rather than songs,” a district official Munawwar said.

The DCO said that immediate legal action would be taken against any violators of Ihtram-e-Ramzan Ordinance. He asked the officials check all security arrangements at Masjids and other worship places personally. “Local police authorities should rectify any security loopholes as soon as possible,” the DCO said, adding that security was of prime importance during the holy month.

“I am grateful that they are strictly implementing the Ramazan Ordinance this year. It is shameful that some people eat and drink openly during the day and no one stops them. People who are not fasting during Ramazan for some reason or other should have enough respect to do so in private,” said resident Afzal Mubarak.

The DCO said that the Iftar and Sehar dastarkhwans would be arranged throughout the district with the cooperation of local philanthropists. “These dastarkhwans will be set up in greenbelts and public parks so lots of people can participate and benefit from the free food. There are many philanthropists who distribute free food during Ramazan and these measures will ensure that their generosity is not wasted,” he said.

The DCO maintained that all arrangements for daily Ramazan bazaars were also being finalized. “Several teams have been assigned to monitor both the price lists at these bazaars as well as the quality of the items on display,” Sadiq said. District officials said that a well-organised and uninterrupted supply of essential items should be ensured to make these bazaars beneficial for all consumers.

The DCO directed that the distribution of subsidised flour in the district should be transparent and a record of sale of subsidised items should be kept by relevant officials. “This month is about atoning for our sins and everyone needs to work at ensuring that it passes peacefully. The district authorities are working to ensure all these measures. No vulgarity will be tolerated,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 30^th, 2011.