ISLAMABAD: The federal government has increased the fines in Ramazan for eating in public by up to 1,000 per cent, according to a local English daily.
Cinemas are also going to remain closed during the fasting hours, according to the new policy. According to a senior government official, a summary had been moved by the Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Division to the cabinet division on January 16, 2018 to increase the fines.
The cabinet, in its meeting on January 16, 2018, was informed about the Ehtram-e-Ramazan Ordinance 1981 which enforces various rules for observing the sanctity of the holy month of Ramazan.
The cabinet was informed about the bill, ‘Ehtram-e-Ramazan Amendment Bill 2017’— moved by Senator Chaudhry Tanvir Khan and the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs. The bill had aimed at increasing the fines from Rs500 to Rs5,000 for individuals, from Rs500 to Rs25,000 for restaurants and eateries, and from Rs25,000 to Rs500,000 for cinemas and TV channels.
