Islamabad: Ten people, including owners of hotels, canteens and eateries, have been arrested and sent to jail in the eastern Pakistani city of Faisalabad for violating rules that forbid the serving of food during the Islamic fasting month of Ramzan.
Officials conducted raids across the city in Punjab province yesterday and arrested 10 for violating the Ehteram-e-Ramzan Ordinance, a government spokesman said, adding they have been sent to jail. He did not specify for how long they will remain in prison.
Over 60 people were arrested earlier this month in raids conducted in Faisalabad.
Pakistan government has prohibited eating, drinking and smoking in public during the fasting hours of Ramzan to "ensure the sanctity of the month".
The restrictions were imposed under the Ordinance, which was introduced during the regime of late military ruler Zia-ul-Haq.
The Ordinance prohibits the serving of food in public places, sets closure timings for cinema halls, theatres and other establishments and directs authorities to take steps for maintaining the sanctity of Ramzan.
PTI
