Taliban backed supporters forbid women from eating out in Quetta

Quetta, Jan. 25 (ANI): After putting numerous restrictions on women in the Swat Valley, the Taliban influence is increasingly posing a threat to the freedom of women across the rest of Pakistan.

Recently, a number of restaurants in Quetta have stopped servicing female customers under pressured from religious hardliners, who have the support of the Taliban, the Daily Times reports.

A number of popular eateries have put boards that say, "For gentlemen only. Women not allowed." Earlier some of these restaurants were very popular among women in Quetta.

Hardliners believe that men and women socialise only for 'immoral activities', and shops and restaurants have become a dating joint for both girls and boys.

Female customers have expressed their outrage over this move.

"This is sheer discrimination. No restaurant has the right to treat women like animals. Is this what Islam teaches about women?" said a female student of the Bolan Medical College.

Senior journalist Shahzad Shah Mir said: "They enjoy overwhelming support of some sections of the population, including many ministers of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl that is a part of the provincial coalition government."

Recently, video and CD shops and Internet cafes were attacked with bombs, and threats were issued.

Mir saidhe was afraid that Quetta might end up like the Swat region. (ANI)