Pakistan Court Bans Valentine’s Day in Capital

Pakistan Court Bans Valentine’s Day in Capital
Pakistani vendors prepare heart-shaped bouquets for sale ahead of Valentine's Day along a street in Islamabad on Feb.13, 2017. (AAMIR QURESHI/AFP/Getty Images)
The Associated Press
2/13/2017
Updated:
2/13/2017

ISLAMABAD—A Pakistani judge has banned Valentine’s Day celebrations in the country’s capital, saying they are against Islamic teachings.

Court official Niaz Saleh says the judge ruled Monday on a petition seeking to ban public celebrations in Islamabad. He says the order has been sent to Pakistan’s media regulator to ensure a blackout on any Valentine’s Day promotions in print or electronic media. A spokesman for the regulator could not immediately be reached for comment.

Pakistani men protest against Valentine's Day celebrations in Karachi on Feb. 12, 2017. (RIZWAN TABASSUM/AFP/Getty Images)
Pakistani men protest against Valentine's Day celebrations in Karachi on Feb. 12, 2017. (RIZWAN TABASSUM/AFP/Getty Images)

Islamist and right-wing parties in Pakistan view Valentine’s Day as vulgar Western import.