Daily Times

LAHORE: At least 75 people were arrested on Tuesday for allegedly violating Ehtram-i-Ramazan Ordinance-1981.

According to details, price control magistrates raided 325 hotels/restaurants and canteens in different areas of the provincial capital and got arrested at least 75 people for allegedly violation the ordinance.

It may be mentioned that Lahore deputy commissioner has increased the number of price control magistrates to ensure implementation of the ordinance.

A statement quoted the deputy commissioner as saying that the decision to this effect was taken in view of the Ehtram-i-Ramazan Ordinance and tenets of Islam. He said that opening of hotels to serve food to customers during fast timings was strictly banned in the provincial capital. “Besides, eating, smoking in public areas is also banned,” he said.

He directed the price control magistrates to deal strictly with profiteers and hoarders and violators of the ordinance. He said violators would be sent directly to jail and no relaxation would be given to them in this regard.

According to sources, the district administration has rejected over three dozens of applications seeking no-objection certificates (NOCs) for opening of hotels and canteens during fast timings. The deputy commissioner, however, said that hotels and canteens in the premises of airports, railway stations, hospitals and primary schools were allowed to remain open during fast timings.