Valentine’s Day Banned in Islamabad

If you are looking for a fun romantic getaway for Valentine’s Day, you might want to pass on Pakistan.   The High Court in Islamabad has banned all public celebrations of Valentine’s Day despite the growing desire among students to have parties. Students in many countries in the Middle East and Asia have increasingly embraced the holiday to exchange cards, sweets, and have parties.

The Court responded to an outcry from Muslim clerics that the holiday is indecent, vulgar and an offense to Islam. Accordingly, as is often the case in Muslim countries, the solution is to force everyone to adhere to your sensibilities and values.

The court ruled in a petition where an outraged Muslim man complained that the holiday was just a Western cover for “immorality, nudity and indecency… which is against our rich traditions and values”. Muslim parties rejoiced over the news that their neighbors would be denied the right to enjoy the holiday.

The same drama is playing out in Indonesia and other countries with Muslim majorities.

There are many in this country who object to Valentine’s Day as an invented holiday by businesses. That may indeed be true but one could have worst reasons to have a party or holiday than expressing love for other people.