The High Court in Islamabad has banned Valentine’s Day celebrations in the Pakistani capital because they are against Islamic teachings.
The ban came after many Pakistanis signed a petition which seeked to ban the public celebrations, according to court official Niaz Saleh.
He added that Pakistan’s media regular is ensuring that any Valentine’s Day promotions are taken down. Islamist and right-wing parties in the country view the holiday as a vulgar Western import.
Noor ul Ain, a Pakistani law student said: “I don’t even know what the ban means or how they can going to implement it? Are they going to kick couples out of from restaurants now?”
Twitter is blowing up reactions of the ban, here are some of the highlights:
- BBC Pakistan
We met the man behind Islamabad's #ValentinesDay ban…. (and took him to a flower market) pic.twitter.com/bfv3nDQrx7
— Secunder Kermani (@SecKermani) February 13, 2017
2. Broken News
Islamabad HC on Valentines day,
— Broken News (@NewsParodyPk) February 13, 2017
3. Maham Ali
We ban love, harbour and promote hate and terrorism. No need for any1 else to destroy #Pakistan, we are good at it on our own#ValentinesDay
— Minerwa Tahir (@minerwatahir) February 13, 2017
4. Ali Salman Alvi
The only kosher way to celebrate the #ValentinesDay in #Pakistan. #LoveWins pic.twitter.com/ssHSmQYMZi
— Ali Salman Alvi (@alisalmanalvi) February 13, 2017
5. Nudrrat Khawaja
In Pakistan processions from banned militant orgs & hate speech is welcomed. But expression of love is against its values. #ValentinesDay
— Nudrrat Khawaja (@NudrratKhawaja) February 13, 2017