‘Insult’ to Islam: Pakistan may ban Valentine’s Day

Pakistan may ban all activities linked to the celebration of the Valentine's Day in the capital, Islamabad.

The day's celebration on February 14 had often been criticized by Islamists as 'insult' to Islam.

An official of the interior ministry said that the decision to ban the Valentine's Day celebrations was taken at the orders of interior minister Nisar Ali Khan.

The ban has, however, not been announced officially. It will be enforced through capital administration and formal notification will be issued by Islamabad deputy commissioner, the official said.

The Valentine's Day activities have often been disrupted in the past by the supporters of hardline Jamaat-e-Islam, but it is for the first time that the state has intervened to ban the festivities of the day.