Clerics ban music at wedding events

Lakki Marwat village ulema cite culture as reason for ban

LAKKI MARWAT:

A group of approximately 30 clerics has enforced a ban on musical programs at weddings in a village located in the Lakki Marwat district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

They have issued a warning that if this ban is disregarded, local clerics will refuse to officiate the marriage ceremonies of the couples involved.

The declaration has been endorsed by 30 local clerics from Tabi Murad village, and it stipulates that any cleric violating this ban and conducting such a marriage will face consequences in accordance with local Pashtun traditions through a Jirga, with a fine of Rs30,000 imposed.

Furthermore, the notification declares that all local clerics have collectively decided not to offer funeral prayers for families that violate the clerics’ orders. This directive also applies to any outsider clerics, and they are urged to take this into consideration.

When reached for a statement, the District Police Officer (DPO) of Lakki Marwat, Tariq Habib, expressed his personal opinion that the local clerics have made this decision for the well-being of the local residents. He believes that these clerics can play a positive role in the district’s development and progress.

Inamullah Khan, a resident of Tabbi Murad village, voiced his support for the clerics’ decision, emphasizing that outsiders often participate in such events, some of whom may not have good intentions.

He applauds the ban, as it prevents such individuals from attending local weddings, making it a positive step taken by the clerics.

Maulana Ali Ahmad, a member of the local Ulema Committee, explained that these musical programs have caused several issues, and local residents have urged the committee to address the problem.

The decision to enforce this ban was taken to eliminate these gatherings as a source of concern and will be strictly enforced.

Initially, the clerics had issued verbal warnings to dissuade people from engaging in this practice, but their calls went unheeded. Consequently, the committee decided to take practical steps to curb the practice.

In one month, approximately 10 weddings occurred, and the local community has embraced the decision, considering it a positive measure.

Maulana Ali Ahmad stressed that while their verbal warnings were stern, their practical approach aims to bring an end to this practice with care and compassion.

This ban on musical programs is not an isolated incident, as local clerics and elders in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have previously announced similar prohibitions.

In the past, tribal elders banned women from visiting community centers, deeming it contrary to local tribal norms.

In Bajaur, local girls were barred from calling the local FM radio station, considered a violation of the Pakhtunwali, the local Pashtun code of conduct.

Additionally, in Waziristan, local tribal Jirga imposed fines on Station House Officers (SHOs) for registering First Information Reports (FIRs) against local individuals involved in land disputes authorized by the tribal Jirga.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 1^st, 2023.