Pakistan clerics issue decree to ban Ramadan programmes

Lahore, June 23: About 100 clerics in Pakistan have issued a decree seeking a government ban on Ramadan programmes of various TV channels, terming them against Shariah.

Signed by clerics from Barelvi school of thought and Jamaat Ahle Sunnat, the decree says as most part of the Ramazan transmission is against Shariah (Islamic law), therefore watching the programmes is haram (illegitimate).

"Inviting unauthentic people and non-scholars to speak on religious and Islamic jurisprudence issues is haram, while hosting of the programmes by semi-nude actresses is also haram," the decree said.

The decree demands the government directs the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to stop the Ramadan transmission.

The decree has also urged clerics to refrain from attending such programmes, saying Shariah requirements are ignored in their proceedings.

Criticising the mixed gatherings in these programmes, the decree said that comparing such congregations to Hajj and Tawaf of the Kaaba was like desecrating Islamic symbols and sacrilegious. It also argues that participants of Sehri transmissions usually missed their early morning prayers or at least failed to offer it in congregation.

PTI