Three-month imprisonment for smoking, eating  during Ramazan

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs has unanimously approved the Ehtram-e-Ramazan (Amendment) Bill, 2017.

Under the new bill, fine for the hotel owners – violating the Ehtram-e-Ramazan Ordinance, 1981 – has been increased from Rs500 to Rs25,000.

People who will smoke or eat openly during the fasting hours of the holy month will be fined Rs500 along with 3-month imprisonment. TV channels or cinema houses that violate the law will be fined Rs500,000 or more.

Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) senator Tanveer Khan introduced the amendment bill in the Senate sitting held on January 16, which was referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs for further consideration.

During the meeting, Tanveer requested the committee to take strict action against people who violate the law during Ramazan.

Earlier the committee members suggested closing down cinema houses for three hours early in the morning and later for three hours after Iftar during Ramazan.