The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday prohibited the celebration of Valentine's Day in public spaces and government offices across the country 'with immediate effect'.
A day before Valentine's Day, the Federal Ministry of Information, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) and the Islamabad High Commission were told by Justice Shaukat Aziz, who was hearing the case, to submit their replies regarding the immediate execution of the court's orders.
Print and electronic media have also been warned to "stop all Valentine's Day promotions immediately", while Pemra has been ordered to monitor all mediums and send out notifications banning any related promotions.
The orders were given on a petition submitted by citizen Abdul Waheed, who maintained that promotions on mainstream and social media for Valentine's Day are "against Islamic teachings and should be banned immediately."
The petition had further called for a ban on the celebration of Valentine's Day in public places, stating that, "in cover of spread of love in fact, immorality, nudity and indecency is being promoted which is against our rich culture."
Every year, Valentine's Day draws a mixed response from Pakistani citizens, with some supporting and celebrating it, but a few protesting its observance.
In major cities, various restaurants, delivery services and bakeries come up with Valentine's Day promotions.
On the other hand, there are those who come up with anti-Valentine's campaigns, such as 'Haya Day' on university campuses and various 'Say no to Valentine's Day' campaigns throughout the country.
Last year, President Mamnoon Hussain had urged Pakistanis to forego celebrtating Valentine’s Day, saying that it was not a part of Muslim tradition, but of the West.
He had said, “Valentine’s Day has no connection with our culture and it should be avoided,” and added that the downsides of western culture had "adversely affected one of our neighbouring countries."
Read more
Comments (347) Closed
Thanks ihc:)
good one
Brilliant step! Thank you!
We dont let any opportunity of becoming a laughing stock to slip now do we..
same when done in india why call it anti secular ? targeting BJP and shivsena , bajrang dal etc , india is secular . but love in our culture need not be socially exhibited , PDA should be objectionable
Oh, that will break the heart of the die-hard Valentinos!
Cowardly Foolish !
myopic & bigoted decision...
Perfect!
I think the court deserves a bunch of flowers for this occasion!
Hmm.... how were people of this part of the world, expressing their love and affection for the dearest, before they discovered Internet and learned about St. Valentine's Day!?
Most people don't realize that greatest love stories of all time are enshrined in our part of the world, not the West. Examples:
-Shereen & Farhad - Sasi & Pannu -Shah Jahan and Malika Mumtaz
Hence the greatest symbol of love in the world is The Taj Mahal!
Enjoy and celebrate it in your own ways, and be proud of your heritage, instead of blindly following everything from the West.
Wayy to go IHC! Thank you so very much
Someone said in other post that pakistan should work in such a manner that it becomes like switzerland i m sure by this step you will be next switzerland kudos
Thank you for taking the country back in the reverse direction
The courts should be deciding on more pressing matters. These are matters for the civil society to debate and discuss. There should be tolerance for other peoples views and ideology based on the spirit of live and let live.
Ironic part of this so-called 'celebration' is that, it was invented in the West, which undoubtedly has more broken hearts and has the highest divorce rate anywhere in the world. This is nothing but commercial enterprise to rob the fleeting and superficial.
The balloons can burst or deflate; flowers will wilt eventually; that card can be soiled and may be discarded; the candy will be consumed and passed through the lower intestine into waste, but true love expressed with sincere feelings - without superficial items will last a life time. You don't need any of this, just once a year to show how you truly feel about someone you love, with your devotion, dedication and sincerity every day!
Instead of doing moral policing,IHC should better concentrate on the cases which have been unsolved for years.
Commendable. Should have come from the Government (Federal & Provincial)
@RAHIM Can you please explain how this step will take country in reverse direction. Why we follow blindly the west. I don't think any benefit in celebrating valentine day which is neither in our culture nor religion.
@Khurram - Don't worry about that. There have been plenty of other things to laugh at. Just look at our PM for instance and the Royal lifestyle he enjoys in one of the poorest countries of the world.
What were you laughing at before this news came out??
@Nitin I'd recommend you focus on RSS not getting too powerful on your side of the border. That will sure stop India from becoming Switzerland.
What a law and order congrats
Thanks IHC. No place for Romeos and Juliets.
Very good decision. This is required to protect our culture. We have no tradition to love each other publicly.
Very Wise Decision ... Thank you honorable judge!
Let people do what they want to do. Everyone should keep their judgments to themselves.
It seems IHC is so much concerned on general public rights, that in order to preserve this, its not hesitant to bar the public rights ...... Strange for me....
Great Decision IHC, hope this makes an impact tomorrow !
This shows the low mentality of our educated class to punish the youths who wants to express their love, freedom in a peaceful manner. The world is laughing at our stupidity.
Valentine's day is hyped up by businesses to generate profit by capitalizing on the insecurity of people who desperately want to be Westerners.
Now who called this country a democracy?
I bet all those who are disappointed with this decision ignore their nearest and dearest all year long, and wait for just this occasson each year to show off to their friends and neighbors how many balloons they gave or received or how many flowers they are able to buy to show their (so-called) love for the others.
In Pakistan it is all ostentation and shameless display of wealth and money to make people feel important and better than their neighbors! I have seen more people in Pakistan, spend their entire monthly salary on iPhones than anywhere else - to feel superior!!. Just because they can boast of what they can afford - never mind that the clothes they are wearing or the car they are driving has monthly payments or credit card bills behind it!!!
Ridiculous! As someone correctly pointed out, Pakistan has no culture. But all culture of materialism, flash, bling-bling, pretense, show-off, keeping up or ahead of Jonses, Chaudheries, Khans or Toms, Dicks and Harries!
Welcome to IndoPak, where we are told what to do and don't let our expression flow freely, the world is moving ahead and we are trapped in our myths of the past. Courts should punish billionaire politicians also. We must get out of this superstitious cultural norms and celebrate the day of love along with our own traditions.
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is truly beautiful.
@Adonis Taj Mahal - the greatest symbol of love? You must be joking or are illiterate about the mughal history. It is a great symbol of oppression not love.
Is it 21st century
Ever though of the impact of this decision on the poor balloon sellers and shop keepers? If nothing else this day will generate some money for the poor and feed some hungry stomachs.
Every silly decision like this takes you further and further behind the rest of the civilised world.
Very Good decision. Thanks for the petitioner and the Court of course.
@Shahryar Shirazi RSS gave us our best PM Modi. RSS has a muslim wing. I am not a follower of BJP nor Congress. But still have to say that BJP is very effective and gets things done very fast. By the way RSS people including Modi have to travel to each village in the country during their young years and do social work there. So we have a PM who has traveled the length and breadth of the country and knows what is the problem and where. So as a voter I do not care if RSS is bad for other countries, I am happy that it is good for my country and will turn out quality leaders, who knows we may have a Muslim PM from RSS in the future.By the way the muslim wing is called Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM).
The problem is not whether this day should be celebrated or not. The problem is bigotry from both sides, those who advocate it and those who oppose it.
@muhammad usman khan one thing it may do is make more Pakistani men respect women and teach them to love their spouses, instead of seeing them as baby producing devices that also make food.
It is important to learn in life from other people's experiences, those that shut their eyes and bury their heads in the sand are doomed to extinction.
Salute to IHC, great decision.
An excellent decision by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to bar public displays of affection on Valentine's Day. We should have our own version of Valentine's Day rooted in our religio-cultural values.How about we have a "Ibn E Sina Day" or a "Ibn a Batuta Day"? Would some Pakistani lawyer please take this up with the IHC as public interest litigation please?
Something that needs to be protected so much; it shows only fragility of that something.
We sure know our priorities as a nation!
So I guess issues of clean drinking water, basic sanitation and health care will now be tackled..Now that we have got the important question of valentine day out of the way.
Next one should be do not smile or laugh in public spaces and government offices across the country 'with immediate effect'.
why high court should get involved in social activities
LOL ...who will impliment it...Valentine sales will go on Regardless. Just wait and watch
Oh please! let the people live and do whatever they want in their lives. It sounds crazy to see the government and the courts assume the role of morality police. Please stop it. Next will be banning of happiness and smiling will become a crime.
Good Move !!!!
When apex court regulates the moral conduct then pity on the citizens
Dont label the decision with anti Liberal or Secular, this is beneficial for the society. the one who show their love to their family dont need 14th feb he can do whole year & every Day.
Sad day.
This is a very good decision.. Thank you IHC.
nice step.
Thanks a lot IHC
Good decision taken by IHC hope PEMRA AND OTHER MEDIA will follow the order.
very good
You must see hundreds of beggars on streets, markets and surroundings. you must watch the death rates in Pakistan related to socioeconomic issues. Why not our judiciary raise questions on hot iron issues that really alarming in our country. I am not celebrating this day but unable to stop myself to talk about this decision.
WoW!! What a progressive country !!
Thanks IHC.
Agree with IHC decision.
Hopefully IHC will also now take out sufficient time to address on priority other cases on issues like corruption and terrorism.
that's a good decision by the umpire;)
@AW your views are corrupted by immorality.
@azmat shah - Sorry to see you are lonely and do not know what love is!?
The IHC ruling is for 'public places and government offices'. Instead of making it vs. x, y, z, just give it a serious thought in the backdrop of local traditions and culture, from all angles.
Great decision, IHC.
@Adonis You are absolutely right.
Good Decision. We have nothing to do with so called "VD". Not part of our culture.
This is a true reflection of our misplaced priorities.. Corruption, bribery, child labor, abuse, minority harassment, lack of water, stunted growth etc are all part of our culture and acceptable
Had those people who are in favor of celebrating Valentines day, knew the background of this, they would think twice to do so....try to copy good things from the West, instead of such stupid occasions. Try to be compassion, passionate & love all especially the animals. Teach your kids to be truthful, honest, compassionate & love human beings especially the poor people. Teach them to give & look down on the ground with feet on ground.
So are we a tolerant society ?..... so when others laugh at us are they wrong ?
It's disappointing to see that some people actually disagree with the court decision. There is no basis of this in our culture and I think except for corrupting the minds of our younger generation there is no good to this day.
Highly Appreciated, Excellent Job! We society as a whole, keep spending lots of money on silly customs, which have no outcome, but chaos & extravagance.
We will never let our minds and emotions flourish.
Good decision
@Patriot - Really? You need a card or balloons to make your emotions flourish!?
You must not even feel happy, sad, angry or joyous, without someone giving you something??
In country where ppl die from hunger, thirst and rampant militancy - how is this is this even an issue!!!
Awesome decision. Save Asian culture.
My heart goes for all those ....who have already bought presents.
GR8 News!! Thank You IHC..
What's so scary about love? It doesn't hurt as much as terrorism does.
All those who are either married, or the ones of never finding their love are wholeheartedly supporting this decision. Let me count how many are there.
@Jigger Spot on.
If people want to celebrate VD - let them.
@Billu Bhai All boys must be secretly happy...MONEY SAVED :)
I cannot believe how backward we are. Total disaster.
What have we become?
@muhammad usman khan Whats wrong in following the west? Canadian PM Justin Trudeau celebrates Indian and Pakistani festivals. Do you think he should stop it? Please stop living in stone age
It is funny. Isn't it? Those who could not find enough love in the Sufi doctrine, or besides it, are trying their luck in Valentine? One wonders whether say good luck or not or bid be careful this time.
Great decision ihc.
Anybody found celebrating this ritual will himself/herself be responsible for the consequences.
Pakistan must not be westernized
Good Decision
@South Asia Read my original comment, it was not against BGP or Modi but against RSS in your country which along with the likes of VHP attacks people celebrating valentines day ( and people he keep Beef in their refrigerators)
@Faisal Spot on. We have many more things to correct before we focus on such issues.
In my view, these issue should be discussed in parliament and then any decisions should be made.
@Shahryar Shirazi Please remember that Bajrang Dal and RSS are different. They are OFTEN ...very OFTEN confused with each other.
Ignorance in Pakistan goes all the way up to the highest levels of the establishment.
These type of celebration are neither compatible with our religion nor with our culture. Mothers day, Fathers day, Love day, respect day birthday & death day etc have no values. Every good deeds are to be done daily & avery bad deeds are to be avoided daily, earmarking 1 day each per year for good deeds is a crude joke and waste of time.
@Shahryar Shirazi India has no aspirations to become Switzerland. We have the richest, deepest culture and history.
We have proved that we are living in confused society and still divided and right or left and similar is the case with valentine day any use of word LOVE we only means an affair or a relationship between a boy and a girl ignoring the fact that it may be for brother & sister, parents & children and a wife or husband. Basically we are hypocrite and have set different standards for different things, and have neglected the fact that the world has become a global village and nothing is away from us. Instead of teaching our younger generation about good and bad, rights and responsibilities and their character building we are forcing our generation to do what we want, which is unfair and unjustified. It seems that our government is acting on the directives of some extremists groups. The bottom line is that let the people celebrate an event but direct them and advise them not to cross the line and limits.
Celebrating birthdays are part of the world culture. Celebration of " Valentine Day" is achieving the similar status.
@Timeto stopthis Nice point.
Happy Valentine's day to all!
Why is someone celebrating Valentine's Day anyone else's business.
@Shahryar Shirazi sir just study the contribution of the rss to the unity of India... Rss is not a terror organization...
I've always wondered when Christmas Eve celebrations and Easter will come to Pakistan? Seems like Pakistani awam is quite hooked to celebrating all that which isn't theirs.
Good move.
@Adonis True. But not everybody is a Shah Jahan and can afford to build a Taj Mahal.
Good step to stop the foolishness ! we are as the nation get too excited about EVERTHING literally ! Its just a day for Valentinos to celebrate not to drag the whole nation including restaurants, telecast programmes and breaking new based on it.
Good decision
Islamabad High Court bars Valentine's Day celebration in public spaces... wonder what the legal grounds are..Justice should not have any opinion on personnel level, or religious level... it should be only on legal matters or else the it defeats the purpose of the judiciary...
Its very encouraging step taken by IHC,
How many of us feel that banning Valentine's Day celebrations will stop making people fall in love?
Why not stop using all things west? such as computer, internet, TV, radio, electricity, watch etc? Why stop just at Valentine's day?
Good judgement by the court.
All humanity should celebrate the occassion of love.. It does not matter Valentine's has a western or christian connection.
Pointless discussion and decision.
Religion should never be imposed. Everybody should be allowed to follow his/her religion with out any compulsion. Religion is one's private matter. There are lots of un-islamic trends happening in Pakistan, why don't IHC ban them too? I am against this decision.
@M.Malik "As someone correctly pointed out, Pakistan has no culture."
Fully agree .....but don't be so acerbic. Consumerism of the west has negatively influenced us too much and as indirectly pointed out by the Court we are forgetting our values,our saving habits,our habit of making maximum and proper use of items purchased.
All what you have said is consumerism and nothing to do with culture and all that ! We go to a Mall to buy one thing and come out with ten more things ........this does keep the economy moving. But some charity and less show off and no wastage is a MUST.
very Good
@ Shafi, if we ban an objectionable website, probably adult, that does not call for banning internet. Likewise, celebrating valentines day, Christmas, Halloween or thanksgiving are not part of our culture or religion. We should be proud of our own practices and I think our courts should be effective on other fronts as well
Pakistani culture threatened by western 'Valentines day'. Pakistani culture must be pretty weak. Who ever wants to celebrate whatever they want should be given a right to. This is a sign of insecurity.
@A. Manan Christmas and Easter are Christian holidays and we have many patriotic Christian Pakistanis, so these holidays are perfectly valid Pakistani holidays.
Valentine's Day, however, is just a market gimmick. It has no religious significance.
HAPPY TUESDAY..!!!
@jA-Australia The business keeps people off the streets and helps to keep people employed, fed, clothed and housed. Think before commenting next time.
If parents have no issues regarding their children dating; don't know why would exercise such orders, despite ignoring cases which appeals to be resolved.
@The end is near You are right.
Well done IHC !!
I am very much depressed by this decision. Everyone has the right to speech and action according to the constitution of Pakistan. We want a liberal and progressive Pakistan where everyone should be given the right to free speech and action which is harmless.
Nice to see that valentine day is celebrated in Pakistan also
Giving importance to non issue's,
i'm agree with IHC
yes,i'm agree with IHC
A lot of Arab traditions have also seeped into our culture which need to be banned immediately.
It is not for the court to decide on limits of personal liberty and freedom.
Thank you IHC
Nice.
Valentines day like many other days(mother's day, father's day etc.) is just one of the corporate tricks to sell. It has nothing to do with our needs or culture per se.
Got it wrong!!! The society should be allowed to make choices and learn from life experiences. Forcefully taking choices away would not help individuals and society as a whole to grow and develop ethically and morally. We learn from success in life but can learn more from mistakes.
Love is love .. there is nothing western or eastern about love . We have so many glorious stories of love . heer ranjha , shoni mahiwal, shajehan mumtaj ,salim anarkali, , bajirao mastani ,mirza sahiba., ambikapathy, amaravati,..... . etc etc..
@Shahzeb Abbasi agree. Especially when institution priorities are debatable.
Everyone who is getting all bent out of shape over this order - which only bars 'public celebration' of this day' and not calling it 'illegal' perhaps cannot find muster the courage to say " I love you" to their spouses any other way??
How did millions of you stay married all these years?
Antics of a regressive society bent on abolishing good, nay great ideas, opposing ideas in consonance with the very nature of man without offering anything new. Yee shall not succeed.
Extremism is the ultimate winner, and humanity is the ultimate loser.
Bad decision. Interference into people's life is not acceptable.
@M. Ibrahim Marghoob I guess start to be proud of stoning people to death or honor killings "our own" doesn't make them the best practices please see that the world has moved on time to get out of stone age
@Say it whomever has been getting it wrong for weeks and years. lmao.
apparently you can't get to the point.
Why can't our judiciary focus on more serious matters in the country like adulterated eatable stuff or fake medicines being sold in the country or corruption in practically all instructions in the country so much
Good decisions. Now law enforcement agencies should have heavy hand to implement it too.
Good Move.
Happy valentines day!!
@Ma also good way for law enforcement agencies to make good money on valentine's day
@SAUDAGAR what's wrong with PDA? Its shame that non priority things like Valentine get priority..instead of focussing on major issues.half of south Asian don't even know true meaning of Valentine
Those who are advocating in favor of Valentines day "actually" need to know what does this day and what does the word "Valentine" mean. I am sure 99.9 % wouldn't know. They think by celebrating this day they are open minded. Fact of the matter is.... they don't even know the term and the background. Thanks IHC!
Good work..FULLY SUPPORT COURT DECISION,WELLDONE
@khanm then theyll have to appeal it!
@Falcon1 i doubt it..
@Zealot Well done 88!
@Viking Star exactly. im still trying to figure it out even though nothing changes.
"V" in Pakistan is being used to promote 'Vulgarity'. Very true!
THANKS IHC.
Thousands of cases pending in courts ... and this is the decision we are prioritizing...
There is nothing wrong with having fun and being happy.
You can show love just like 364 days of the year because if you are doing it on this particular day only then possibly you are faking love.
Why is a court involved in this. This has to be a personal decision. People who do not like it should not celebrate it but people who want to celebrate it should not be stopped ...........
@Faisal I like your comment. This one make a great sense., Thanks.
love and respect for IHC
Might as well give up holidays on sunday, New Years holiday, banking, air travel and other things invented by the west also including digital media and surely the internet. This concerned citizen should think about improving society rather than imposing his outdated and medival views on 22nd century Pakistan
@Aamir look at what valentine orignally started from. You will be suprised and will think twice before celebrating it. Also its against islamic culture.
@Fawzia H we in Pakistan are still living in stone age period, whereas the youths of elites class are living abroad enjoying valentine's day.
Valentine's day is just a celebration of love. It has no connection with any religion. Anyway happy valentine's day to all my friends.
@Gerry D again, that's very old news!
We as a nation should embrace different cultures rather than looking through old-school and conservative eyes. Diversity is an essence of the society
Stamp out Love and maintain Hate. Isn't that more than a bit twisted?
@Adonis agreed
Thanks to IHC for such a wonderful decision of a popular demand.
Court's decision is good for society.
Great job IHC.
Good decision by IHC. We don,t have to compromise on our traditions, social values and Islamic teachings. Those fond of celebration of Valentine's Day may observe HAYA Day.
the petitioner should have filed a petition on apathy of government towards hunger low wages scarcity of water power and gas on behalf of general public instead filing a non issue problem thanks.
Good decision..
Living in 21 'st century, enjoying it's all other technological cultures you can not stop just one window of expression of young generations.I suspect this kind of closeness will confuse them more...Rather find ways to minimize unruly behavior and let them express and let them know.
Why as a nation there is more support for hate than love?
Very good decision.
Heartfelt condolences
A probable economic activity killed
Muslims in America do not celebrate Valentine's Day while Muslims in Pakistan celebrate Valentine's Day ! A moment to think ! Where are we heading to ?
People are talking about culture and tradition, also talking about west. Guys you are using cars, missile etc which was developed by west then why you are using.
Experts believe and assert that things like Valentine's are non issues, yes they are right
Good job. Valentine's day is nor our culture.
Path to progress !!!!!!! Weldone
@muhammad usman khan not surprising that your knowledge of other religions is quite limited in a fanatic country like Pakistan..in the civilized world there is tolerance for different beliefs and diversity is celebrated...apparently in Pakistan there is no freedom of religion and the Islamic bigots think they are the only religion in the world..Ignorance and intolerance are the result of so many uneducated hard line fanatics in your country...
Guys! Culture is not something which you can preserve. Culture is always exposed to the surrounding and is affected each passing day. The "Not at all" of yesterday becomes norm of today. This is the evolution of societies and nobody is ever so powerful to reverse the course of evolution. Let intellectuals discuss this so called socio-religious issue and let audience decide what is good and bad for them. That's the only way out.
Valentine's day celebrations should be treated just like any other social gathering, no more no less. Extremists from both sides of the issue must also follow the law, they can preach but can't enforce.
Did the Citizen Abdul Waheed filed petition against any Bribery case?
There is nothing religous in Valentine's Day. It is just a way of promoting businesses, which in turn creates jobs. Remember when businesses are booming only then jobs are created and unemployment can be eliminated. In West they have come up with these days i.e. Thanks Giving, Valentine's day, Fathers Day, Mothers Day, Veterans Day, New Years etc. to help out businesses. It allows creativity and anyone and everyone can benefit from it including the poor.
If Pak does not want to celebrate the same days then Pak leaders should come out with their own version to help out the businesses in the country. Mullahism will not create any jobs infact it will add to the unemployment rate and will create more misery for the youth.
@N_Saq In America , not only Valentine's Day but Christmas is also a tool to generate business , so does it mean we should celebrate both of these events ?
If providing respectable earning to the people and it's not harming anyone , than I see no wrong it.
Pakistanis have learned nothing good from western countries but they are very eager to copy western culture without knowing the implications ! Why not follow the wisdom , creativity, tolerance , economic progress , civic sense and rule of law from the western countries ? Why only Valentine's Day ?
@Khan USA You are missing the point...read my second paragraph too.
Nice decision.appreciated
Fully support the IHC decision. Our youth has been corrupted by the worst of the west. Let's be proud of our own rich culture. All these various days celebrated in the west are actually marketing scams.
I am surprised to see Pakistani Muslims supporting Valentine's Day celebrations in Pakistan !
Excellent order by the court but sad to see that the voting on this page is at 55% Yes. Anyway, the nation should understand that this day is not for us and enforcing others culture and traditions is not good but harm. I have hated it then when I was living in my own country and I hate living here in western society.
@Adonis If dawn would have allowed more than one likes I would have given you at least 100. Very well said. Thanks a lot.
@RAHIM By celebrating Valentine day, were we moving in forward direction? If we want to follow the West, we need to follow their practices which made them developed. Does celebrating valentine day in anyway contribute towards a nation's advancement?
@RAHIM It is not for the country to go in reverse direction but it is an effort to put your mind in thinking and so that you can forge in forward direction.
what culture are we talking about that we are so proud of we dont even care for a beggar on the street or care for a child that is begging on the street that is our culture may it be india or pakistan then we care about valentine day. why cant we file a petition where the court should take care of homeless child on the street
No celebrations tomorrow in view of Lahore Blast and loss of lives ......
@Black Day I just voted to ban the day for whatever its supposed to mean. but i doubt 5,200 peeps voted. this would be your playing with the numbers
@N_Saq i just read it and it still means nothing..
@Adonis What if people want to celebrate like that only. Will you force them to do otherwise.
Stupid decision by IHC.
Valentine, dance etc is un religious. Great decision.
In our islamic republic of pakistan, clebrating Valentin's day is against our islamic traditions. The IHC orders must be implimented strictly to safegaurd our islamic cultral values. Great job done by honorable judges. Congratulations.
Excellent, it has no reason in our society!!!
Great verdict. I highly appreciate it. Thanks a lot IHC for being People's voice.
@Nabeel some? How about many , these people have no right to get into the private matters of people ,this is a democracy not dictatorship
We need to preserve our culture and traditions. Instead of following west on their hard work and professionalism , following their traditions that are in direct collision to our values is nothing but "Ape-ing" west and therefore must be discouraged. Excellent decision!
Good step by IHC.
We live in US and have successfully protecting our kids from these non Islamic practices while people living in Islamic Republic of Pskistan are dying to celebrate Valentine's Day ! I am perplexed !
Excellent news. What is this valentines day satire? This has nothing to do with Pakistan, Culture, or Religion.
Yes i agree
Good
I agree with this step
Thank you IHC.i m a muslim my culture is not supporting valentine day.
@Mahmood stupid argument ! Love and celebrating love are not estren and western things, love is a beautiful human emotion and it's expression is a globle and timeless tradition. The modern human culture which you are calling 'Western Civilizatio'n calibrates love every day, thousands beautiful people share good time and enjoy the moments of being with each other every day. And yes where there is love and lovely hearts there may be hearts breaks too; love is playing like this from centuries. The icons of alternate to modern civilization are just few countries in the world like Saudi Arabi Sudan may be Iran and some parts of Pakistan. Where millions women even don't know the man well with whom they are ging to spend whole life, many of them are helpless, choice less and some of them living a life of almost servitude. You call this love? You don't have even a remote idea of meanings of love.
Glade,court has tackled the most important issue facing the country.
If you think exposing girls will make our country move farward, you're wrong.
Excellent decidion. I stand with IHC. Hats off to judges.
The country where people are getting killed and no rule of law, the courts are worried about valentines day, cool
So banning valentines days will solve all problem of Pakistan..... how stupid are policy maker of this awfully conservative country!!
@Nadeem Why should the government get involved in social matters, especially since there are much bigger problems like terrorism, crime, corruption, lack of clean drinking water, etc. that the government should be concerned about.
@muhammad usman khan I will explain to you why it is very simple. I do mot celebrate valentines nor do I celebrate holi christmas or vaishakhi but I or you do not have the right to impose our views belefs on others. If you dont want yo celebrate dont but do not stop others that want to rightly or wrongly simple
@muhammad usman khan ! Neither are New Year's Day or birthday celebrations. Ban the lot.
Pakistani society may take some decades to become open to "new" celebrations like this...mainly promoted to increase business among youth.
Can court ban E-Card greetings ?
Has the West banned any days?
Brilliant step by IHC, Say no to so called Valentines Day.
What is the harm if someone wishes to offer flowers, perfume, chocolates or just a few good wishes to his or her spouse on 14th February, which according to some is a Valentines Day. Is it Christmas, is it Easter or any other Christian festival, that we are involved in? Even if it is a Christian festivity, what's wrong with that, as long as nudity, vulgarity or any other negative thing is not invoved.
Love is in the air and no one can ban it.
High court has nothing better to do ? I am pretty sure Pakistan faces a lot more critical issues than Valentine's day.
Why we step in on everything. Does new year on 1st January is Islamic? People will celebrate in their homes. Concentrate on real issues like poverty healthcare and education. We are expert in diverting public attention from real issues. We always compare us with India. See that country is who much progressed despite our best effort to bog her down.
@I am Malala irrelevant answer of the topic
Islam preaches for love between the husband & wife or ( wives) and in Pakistan Valentine Day is mostly celebrated by married couples. I failed to understand what IHC meant to issue orders against.OK if you disallow at public places,people can celebrate it at home.No big deal.
Expressing love to your wife ,fiancée,mother,sister n grandmother is a good way of celebrating Valentine and all those people who oppose it get off your gutter mind
So the Court will decide what to do, when to celebrate and when not to! This is freedom of expression, it does not hurt anyone and the young people have the right to enjoy.
Good job.
Happy Valentine's Day to all Pakistanis
Way to go IHC!!! Proud of you :)
Good decission
Foreign culture is just excuse we even ban local culture of Basant, we just don,t like happiness of any kind. Also show the judge,s mindset I hope no love marriage case come in his court. Mr. Khan at least you have choice of celebrate or not in US, in Pakistan no body have any choice to celebrate if they want.
People who called it,s ban because of imported culture, use all other imported goods like computers, cell phones, cars, TV's, perfumes, face book, whats app etc.
@ishrat salim how about the best Western value of all. Live and let live. That is the basis of their success as a just society.
How many serious cases are pending in courts ? And you are wasting your time on such non sense, and the decision itself, really ?
Way to go ihc
@azmat shah nicely said (y)
Good step banned
say no to valentine's day
Thanks LHC:)
Thanks LHC:)
Good decission
Yes it must be banned
i support the order passed by supreme court..excellent step after a long time.
Assalam o alikum Mashallah Stay with it. Ameen summa ameen
that's great
that's great
Is it banned in China and SA?
@Faisal What if the civil society fail to fulfill its moral duty and let the children wandering unethically
@RAHIM any logica for this Illogical statement.
Comments (347) Closed
Thanks ihc:)
good one
Brilliant step! Thank you!
We dont let any opportunity of becoming a laughing stock to slip now do we..
same when done in india why call it anti secular ? targeting BJP and shivsena , bajrang dal etc , india is secular . but love in our culture need not be socially exhibited , PDA should be objectionable
Oh, that will break the heart of the die-hard Valentinos!
Cowardly Foolish !
myopic & bigoted decision...
Perfect!
I think the court deserves a bunch of flowers for this occasion!
Hmm.... how were people of this part of the world, expressing their love and affection for the dearest, before they discovered Internet and learned about St. Valentine's Day!?
Most people don't realize that greatest love stories of all time are enshrined in our part of the world, not the West. Examples:
-Shereen & Farhad - Sasi & Pannu -Shah Jahan and Malika Mumtaz
Hence the greatest symbol of love in the world is The Taj Mahal!
Enjoy and celebrate it in your own ways, and be proud of your heritage, instead of blindly following everything from the West.
Wayy to go IHC! Thank you so very much
Someone said in other post that pakistan should work in such a manner that it becomes like switzerland i m sure by this step you will be next switzerland kudos
Thank you for taking the country back in the reverse direction
The courts should be deciding on more pressing matters. These are matters for the civil society to debate and discuss. There should be tolerance for other peoples views and ideology based on the spirit of live and let live.
Ironic part of this so-called 'celebration' is that, it was invented in the West, which undoubtedly has more broken hearts and has the highest divorce rate anywhere in the world. This is nothing but commercial enterprise to rob the fleeting and superficial.
The balloons can burst or deflate; flowers will wilt eventually; that card can be soiled and may be discarded; the candy will be consumed and passed through the lower intestine into waste, but true love expressed with sincere feelings - without superficial items will last a life time. You don't need any of this, just once a year to show how you truly feel about someone you love, with your devotion, dedication and sincerity every day!
Instead of doing moral policing,IHC should better concentrate on the cases which have been unsolved for years.
Commendable. Should have come from the Government (Federal & Provincial)
@RAHIM Can you please explain how this step will take country in reverse direction. Why we follow blindly the west. I don't think any benefit in celebrating valentine day which is neither in our culture nor religion.
@Khurram - Don't worry about that. There have been plenty of other things to laugh at. Just look at our PM for instance and the Royal lifestyle he enjoys in one of the poorest countries of the world.
What were you laughing at before this news came out??
@Nitin I'd recommend you focus on RSS not getting too powerful on your side of the border. That will sure stop India from becoming Switzerland.
What a law and order congrats
Thanks IHC. No place for Romeos and Juliets.
Very good decision. This is required to protect our culture. We have no tradition to love each other publicly.
Very Wise Decision ... Thank you honorable judge!
Let people do what they want to do. Everyone should keep their judgments to themselves.
It seems IHC is so much concerned on general public rights, that in order to preserve this, its not hesitant to bar the public rights ...... Strange for me....
Great Decision IHC, hope this makes an impact tomorrow !
This shows the low mentality of our educated class to punish the youths who wants to express their love, freedom in a peaceful manner. The world is laughing at our stupidity.
Valentine's day is hyped up by businesses to generate profit by capitalizing on the insecurity of people who desperately want to be Westerners.
Now who called this country a democracy?
I bet all those who are disappointed with this decision ignore their nearest and dearest all year long, and wait for just this occasson each year to show off to their friends and neighbors how many balloons they gave or received or how many flowers they are able to buy to show their (so-called) love for the others.
In Pakistan it is all ostentation and shameless display of wealth and money to make people feel important and better than their neighbors! I have seen more people in Pakistan, spend their entire monthly salary on iPhones than anywhere else - to feel superior!!. Just because they can boast of what they can afford - never mind that the clothes they are wearing or the car they are driving has monthly payments or credit card bills behind it!!!
Ridiculous! As someone correctly pointed out, Pakistan has no culture. But all culture of materialism, flash, bling-bling, pretense, show-off, keeping up or ahead of Jonses, Chaudheries, Khans or Toms, Dicks and Harries!
Welcome to IndoPak, where we are told what to do and don't let our expression flow freely, the world is moving ahead and we are trapped in our myths of the past. Courts should punish billionaire politicians also. We must get out of this superstitious cultural norms and celebrate the day of love along with our own traditions.
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is truly beautiful.
@Adonis Taj Mahal - the greatest symbol of love? You must be joking or are illiterate about the mughal history. It is a great symbol of oppression not love.
Is it 21st century
Ever though of the impact of this decision on the poor balloon sellers and shop keepers? If nothing else this day will generate some money for the poor and feed some hungry stomachs.
Every silly decision like this takes you further and further behind the rest of the civilised world.
Very Good decision. Thanks for the petitioner and the Court of course.
@Shahryar Shirazi RSS gave us our best PM Modi. RSS has a muslim wing. I am not a follower of BJP nor Congress. But still have to say that BJP is very effective and gets things done very fast. By the way RSS people including Modi have to travel to each village in the country during their young years and do social work there. So we have a PM who has traveled the length and breadth of the country and knows what is the problem and where. So as a voter I do not care if RSS is bad for other countries, I am happy that it is good for my country and will turn out quality leaders, who knows we may have a Muslim PM from RSS in the future.By the way the muslim wing is called Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM).
The problem is not whether this day should be celebrated or not. The problem is bigotry from both sides, those who advocate it and those who oppose it.
@muhammad usman khan one thing it may do is make more Pakistani men respect women and teach them to love their spouses, instead of seeing them as baby producing devices that also make food.
It is important to learn in life from other people's experiences, those that shut their eyes and bury their heads in the sand are doomed to extinction.
Salute to IHC, great decision.
An excellent decision by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to bar public displays of affection on Valentine's Day. We should have our own version of Valentine's Day rooted in our religio-cultural values.How about we have a "Ibn E Sina Day" or a "Ibn a Batuta Day"? Would some Pakistani lawyer please take this up with the IHC as public interest litigation please?
Something that needs to be protected so much; it shows only fragility of that something.
We sure know our priorities as a nation!
So I guess issues of clean drinking water, basic sanitation and health care will now be tackled..Now that we have got the important question of valentine day out of the way.
Next one should be do not smile or laugh in public spaces and government offices across the country 'with immediate effect'.
why high court should get involved in social activities
LOL ...who will impliment it...Valentine sales will go on Regardless. Just wait and watch
Oh please! let the people live and do whatever they want in their lives. It sounds crazy to see the government and the courts assume the role of morality police. Please stop it. Next will be banning of happiness and smiling will become a crime.
Good Move !!!!
When apex court regulates the moral conduct then pity on the citizens
Dont label the decision with anti Liberal or Secular, this is beneficial for the society. the one who show their love to their family dont need 14th feb he can do whole year & every Day.
Sad day.
This is a very good decision.. Thank you IHC.
nice step.
Thanks a lot IHC
Good decision taken by IHC hope PEMRA AND OTHER MEDIA will follow the order.
very good
You must see hundreds of beggars on streets, markets and surroundings. you must watch the death rates in Pakistan related to socioeconomic issues. Why not our judiciary raise questions on hot iron issues that really alarming in our country. I am not celebrating this day but unable to stop myself to talk about this decision.
WoW!! What a progressive country !!
Thanks IHC.
Agree with IHC decision.
Hopefully IHC will also now take out sufficient time to address on priority other cases on issues like corruption and terrorism.
that's a good decision by the umpire;)
@AW your views are corrupted by immorality.
@azmat shah - Sorry to see you are lonely and do not know what love is!?
The IHC ruling is for 'public places and government offices'. Instead of making it vs. x, y, z, just give it a serious thought in the backdrop of local traditions and culture, from all angles.
Great decision, IHC.
@Adonis You are absolutely right.
Good Decision. We have nothing to do with so called "VD". Not part of our culture.
This is a true reflection of our misplaced priorities.. Corruption, bribery, child labor, abuse, minority harassment, lack of water, stunted growth etc are all part of our culture and acceptable
Had those people who are in favor of celebrating Valentines day, knew the background of this, they would think twice to do so....try to copy good things from the West, instead of such stupid occasions. Try to be compassion, passionate & love all especially the animals. Teach your kids to be truthful, honest, compassionate & love human beings especially the poor people. Teach them to give & look down on the ground with feet on ground.
So are we a tolerant society ?..... so when others laugh at us are they wrong ?
It's disappointing to see that some people actually disagree with the court decision. There is no basis of this in our culture and I think except for corrupting the minds of our younger generation there is no good to this day.
Highly Appreciated, Excellent Job! We society as a whole, keep spending lots of money on silly customs, which have no outcome, but chaos & extravagance.
We will never let our minds and emotions flourish.
Good decision
@Patriot - Really? You need a card or balloons to make your emotions flourish!?
You must not even feel happy, sad, angry or joyous, without someone giving you something??
In country where ppl die from hunger, thirst and rampant militancy - how is this is this even an issue!!!
Awesome decision. Save Asian culture.
My heart goes for all those ....who have already bought presents.
GR8 News!! Thank You IHC..
What's so scary about love? It doesn't hurt as much as terrorism does.
All those who are either married, or the ones of never finding their love are wholeheartedly supporting this decision. Let me count how many are there.
@Jigger Spot on.
If people want to celebrate VD - let them.
@Billu Bhai All boys must be secretly happy...MONEY SAVED :)
I cannot believe how backward we are. Total disaster.
What have we become?
@muhammad usman khan Whats wrong in following the west? Canadian PM Justin Trudeau celebrates Indian and Pakistani festivals. Do you think he should stop it? Please stop living in stone age
It is funny. Isn't it? Those who could not find enough love in the Sufi doctrine, or besides it, are trying their luck in Valentine? One wonders whether say good luck or not or bid be careful this time.
Great decision ihc.
Anybody found celebrating this ritual will himself/herself be responsible for the consequences.
Pakistan must not be westernized
Good Decision
@South Asia Read my original comment, it was not against BGP or Modi but against RSS in your country which along with the likes of VHP attacks people celebrating valentines day ( and people he keep Beef in their refrigerators)
@Faisal Spot on. We have many more things to correct before we focus on such issues.
In my view, these issue should be discussed in parliament and then any decisions should be made.
@Shahryar Shirazi Please remember that Bajrang Dal and RSS are different. They are OFTEN ...very OFTEN confused with each other.
Ignorance in Pakistan goes all the way up to the highest levels of the establishment.
These type of celebration are neither compatible with our religion nor with our culture. Mothers day, Fathers day, Love day, respect day birthday & death day etc have no values. Every good deeds are to be done daily & avery bad deeds are to be avoided daily, earmarking 1 day each per year for good deeds is a crude joke and waste of time.
@Shahryar Shirazi India has no aspirations to become Switzerland. We have the richest, deepest culture and history.
We have proved that we are living in confused society and still divided and right or left and similar is the case with valentine day any use of word LOVE we only means an affair or a relationship between a boy and a girl ignoring the fact that it may be for brother & sister, parents & children and a wife or husband. Basically we are hypocrite and have set different standards for different things, and have neglected the fact that the world has become a global village and nothing is away from us. Instead of teaching our younger generation about good and bad, rights and responsibilities and their character building we are forcing our generation to do what we want, which is unfair and unjustified. It seems that our government is acting on the directives of some extremists groups. The bottom line is that let the people celebrate an event but direct them and advise them not to cross the line and limits.
Celebrating birthdays are part of the world culture. Celebration of " Valentine Day" is achieving the similar status.
@Timeto stopthis Nice point.
Happy Valentine's day to all!
Why is someone celebrating Valentine's Day anyone else's business.
@Shahryar Shirazi sir just study the contribution of the rss to the unity of India... Rss is not a terror organization...
I've always wondered when Christmas Eve celebrations and Easter will come to Pakistan? Seems like Pakistani awam is quite hooked to celebrating all that which isn't theirs.
Good move.
@Adonis True. But not everybody is a Shah Jahan and can afford to build a Taj Mahal.
Good step to stop the foolishness ! we are as the nation get too excited about EVERTHING literally ! Its just a day for Valentinos to celebrate not to drag the whole nation including restaurants, telecast programmes and breaking new based on it.
Good decision
Islamabad High Court bars Valentine's Day celebration in public spaces... wonder what the legal grounds are..Justice should not have any opinion on personnel level, or religious level... it should be only on legal matters or else the it defeats the purpose of the judiciary...
Its very encouraging step taken by IHC,
How many of us feel that banning Valentine's Day celebrations will stop making people fall in love?
Why not stop using all things west? such as computer, internet, TV, radio, electricity, watch etc? Why stop just at Valentine's day?
Good judgement by the court.
All humanity should celebrate the occassion of love.. It does not matter Valentine's has a western or christian connection.
Pointless discussion and decision.
Religion should never be imposed. Everybody should be allowed to follow his/her religion with out any compulsion. Religion is one's private matter. There are lots of un-islamic trends happening in Pakistan, why don't IHC ban them too? I am against this decision.
@M.Malik "As someone correctly pointed out, Pakistan has no culture."
Fully agree .....but don't be so acerbic. Consumerism of the west has negatively influenced us too much and as indirectly pointed out by the Court we are forgetting our values,our saving habits,our habit of making maximum and proper use of items purchased.
All what you have said is consumerism and nothing to do with culture and all that ! We go to a Mall to buy one thing and come out with ten more things ........this does keep the economy moving. But some charity and less show off and no wastage is a MUST.
very Good
@ Shafi, if we ban an objectionable website, probably adult, that does not call for banning internet. Likewise, celebrating valentines day, Christmas, Halloween or thanksgiving are not part of our culture or religion. We should be proud of our own practices and I think our courts should be effective on other fronts as well
Pakistani culture threatened by western 'Valentines day'. Pakistani culture must be pretty weak. Who ever wants to celebrate whatever they want should be given a right to. This is a sign of insecurity.
@A. Manan Christmas and Easter are Christian holidays and we have many patriotic Christian Pakistanis, so these holidays are perfectly valid Pakistani holidays.
Valentine's Day, however, is just a market gimmick. It has no religious significance.
HAPPY TUESDAY..!!!
@jA-Australia The business keeps people off the streets and helps to keep people employed, fed, clothed and housed. Think before commenting next time.
If parents have no issues regarding their children dating; don't know why would exercise such orders, despite ignoring cases which appeals to be resolved.
@The end is near You are right.
Well done IHC !!
I am very much depressed by this decision. Everyone has the right to speech and action according to the constitution of Pakistan. We want a liberal and progressive Pakistan where everyone should be given the right to free speech and action which is harmless.
Nice to see that valentine day is celebrated in Pakistan also
Giving importance to non issue's,
i'm agree with IHC
yes,i'm agree with IHC
A lot of Arab traditions have also seeped into our culture which need to be banned immediately.
It is not for the court to decide on limits of personal liberty and freedom.
Thank you IHC
Nice.
Valentines day like many other days(mother's day, father's day etc.) is just one of the corporate tricks to sell. It has nothing to do with our needs or culture per se.
Got it wrong!!! The society should be allowed to make choices and learn from life experiences. Forcefully taking choices away would not help individuals and society as a whole to grow and develop ethically and morally. We learn from success in life but can learn more from mistakes.
Love is love .. there is nothing western or eastern about love . We have so many glorious stories of love . heer ranjha , shoni mahiwal, shajehan mumtaj ,salim anarkali, , bajirao mastani ,mirza sahiba., ambikapathy, amaravati,..... . etc etc..
@Shahzeb Abbasi agree. Especially when institution priorities are debatable.
Everyone who is getting all bent out of shape over this order - which only bars 'public celebration' of this day' and not calling it 'illegal' perhaps cannot find muster the courage to say " I love you" to their spouses any other way??
How did millions of you stay married all these years?
Antics of a regressive society bent on abolishing good, nay great ideas, opposing ideas in consonance with the very nature of man without offering anything new. Yee shall not succeed.
Extremism is the ultimate winner, and humanity is the ultimate loser.
Bad decision. Interference into people's life is not acceptable.
@M. Ibrahim Marghoob I guess start to be proud of stoning people to death or honor killings "our own" doesn't make them the best practices please see that the world has moved on time to get out of stone age
@Say it whomever has been getting it wrong for weeks and years. lmao.
apparently you can't get to the point.
Why can't our judiciary focus on more serious matters in the country like adulterated eatable stuff or fake medicines being sold in the country or corruption in practically all instructions in the country so much
Good decisions. Now law enforcement agencies should have heavy hand to implement it too.
Good Move.
Happy valentines day!!
@Ma also good way for law enforcement agencies to make good money on valentine's day
@SAUDAGAR what's wrong with PDA? Its shame that non priority things like Valentine get priority..instead of focussing on major issues.half of south Asian don't even know true meaning of Valentine
Those who are advocating in favor of Valentines day "actually" need to know what does this day and what does the word "Valentine" mean. I am sure 99.9 % wouldn't know. They think by celebrating this day they are open minded. Fact of the matter is.... they don't even know the term and the background. Thanks IHC!
Good work..FULLY SUPPORT COURT DECISION,WELLDONE
@khanm then theyll have to appeal it!
@Falcon1 i doubt it..
@Zealot Well done 88!
@Viking Star exactly. im still trying to figure it out even though nothing changes.
"V" in Pakistan is being used to promote 'Vulgarity'. Very true!
THANKS IHC.
Thousands of cases pending in courts ... and this is the decision we are prioritizing...
There is nothing wrong with having fun and being happy.
You can show love just like 364 days of the year because if you are doing it on this particular day only then possibly you are faking love.
Why is a court involved in this. This has to be a personal decision. People who do not like it should not celebrate it but people who want to celebrate it should not be stopped ...........
@Faisal I like your comment. This one make a great sense., Thanks.
love and respect for IHC
Might as well give up holidays on sunday, New Years holiday, banking, air travel and other things invented by the west also including digital media and surely the internet. This concerned citizen should think about improving society rather than imposing his outdated and medival views on 22nd century Pakistan
@Aamir look at what valentine orignally started from. You will be suprised and will think twice before celebrating it. Also its against islamic culture.
@Fawzia H we in Pakistan are still living in stone age period, whereas the youths of elites class are living abroad enjoying valentine's day.
Valentine's day is just a celebration of love. It has no connection with any religion. Anyway happy valentine's day to all my friends.
@Gerry D again, that's very old news!
We as a nation should embrace different cultures rather than looking through old-school and conservative eyes. Diversity is an essence of the society
Stamp out Love and maintain Hate. Isn't that more than a bit twisted?
@Adonis agreed
Thanks to IHC for such a wonderful decision of a popular demand.
Court's decision is good for society.
Great job IHC.
Good decision by IHC. We don,t have to compromise on our traditions, social values and Islamic teachings. Those fond of celebration of Valentine's Day may observe HAYA Day.
the petitioner should have filed a petition on apathy of government towards hunger low wages scarcity of water power and gas on behalf of general public instead filing a non issue problem thanks.
Good decision..
Living in 21 'st century, enjoying it's all other technological cultures you can not stop just one window of expression of young generations.I suspect this kind of closeness will confuse them more...Rather find ways to minimize unruly behavior and let them express and let them know.
Why as a nation there is more support for hate than love?
Very good decision.
Heartfelt condolences
A probable economic activity killed
Muslims in America do not celebrate Valentine's Day while Muslims in Pakistan celebrate Valentine's Day ! A moment to think ! Where are we heading to ?
People are talking about culture and tradition, also talking about west. Guys you are using cars, missile etc which was developed by west then why you are using.
Experts believe and assert that things like Valentine's are non issues, yes they are right
Good job. Valentine's day is nor our culture.
Path to progress !!!!!!! Weldone
@muhammad usman khan not surprising that your knowledge of other religions is quite limited in a fanatic country like Pakistan..in the civilized world there is tolerance for different beliefs and diversity is celebrated...apparently in Pakistan there is no freedom of religion and the Islamic bigots think they are the only religion in the world..Ignorance and intolerance are the result of so many uneducated hard line fanatics in your country...
Guys! Culture is not something which you can preserve. Culture is always exposed to the surrounding and is affected each passing day. The "Not at all" of yesterday becomes norm of today. This is the evolution of societies and nobody is ever so powerful to reverse the course of evolution. Let intellectuals discuss this so called socio-religious issue and let audience decide what is good and bad for them. That's the only way out.
Valentine's day celebrations should be treated just like any other social gathering, no more no less. Extremists from both sides of the issue must also follow the law, they can preach but can't enforce.
Did the Citizen Abdul Waheed filed petition against any Bribery case?
There is nothing religous in Valentine's Day. It is just a way of promoting businesses, which in turn creates jobs. Remember when businesses are booming only then jobs are created and unemployment can be eliminated. In West they have come up with these days i.e. Thanks Giving, Valentine's day, Fathers Day, Mothers Day, Veterans Day, New Years etc. to help out businesses. It allows creativity and anyone and everyone can benefit from it including the poor.
If Pak does not want to celebrate the same days then Pak leaders should come out with their own version to help out the businesses in the country. Mullahism will not create any jobs infact it will add to the unemployment rate and will create more misery for the youth.
@N_Saq In America , not only Valentine's Day but Christmas is also a tool to generate business , so does it mean we should celebrate both of these events ?
If providing respectable earning to the people and it's not harming anyone , than I see no wrong it.
Pakistanis have learned nothing good from western countries but they are very eager to copy western culture without knowing the implications ! Why not follow the wisdom , creativity, tolerance , economic progress , civic sense and rule of law from the western countries ? Why only Valentine's Day ?
@Khan USA You are missing the point...read my second paragraph too.
Nice decision.appreciated
Fully support the IHC decision. Our youth has been corrupted by the worst of the west. Let's be proud of our own rich culture. All these various days celebrated in the west are actually marketing scams.
I am surprised to see Pakistani Muslims supporting Valentine's Day celebrations in Pakistan !
Excellent order by the court but sad to see that the voting on this page is at 55% Yes. Anyway, the nation should understand that this day is not for us and enforcing others culture and traditions is not good but harm. I have hated it then when I was living in my own country and I hate living here in western society.
@Adonis If dawn would have allowed more than one likes I would have given you at least 100. Very well said. Thanks a lot.
@RAHIM By celebrating Valentine day, were we moving in forward direction? If we want to follow the West, we need to follow their practices which made them developed. Does celebrating valentine day in anyway contribute towards a nation's advancement?
@RAHIM It is not for the country to go in reverse direction but it is an effort to put your mind in thinking and so that you can forge in forward direction.
what culture are we talking about that we are so proud of we dont even care for a beggar on the street or care for a child that is begging on the street that is our culture may it be india or pakistan then we care about valentine day. why cant we file a petition where the court should take care of homeless child on the street
No celebrations tomorrow in view of Lahore Blast and loss of lives ......
@Black Day I just voted to ban the day for whatever its supposed to mean. but i doubt 5,200 peeps voted. this would be your playing with the numbers
@N_Saq i just read it and it still means nothing..
@Adonis What if people want to celebrate like that only. Will you force them to do otherwise.
Stupid decision by IHC.
Valentine, dance etc is un religious. Great decision.
In our islamic republic of pakistan, clebrating Valentin's day is against our islamic traditions. The IHC orders must be implimented strictly to safegaurd our islamic cultral values. Great job done by honorable judges. Congratulations.
Excellent, it has no reason in our society!!!
Great verdict. I highly appreciate it. Thanks a lot IHC for being People's voice.
@Nabeel some? How about many , these people have no right to get into the private matters of people ,this is a democracy not dictatorship
We need to preserve our culture and traditions. Instead of following west on their hard work and professionalism , following their traditions that are in direct collision to our values is nothing but "Ape-ing" west and therefore must be discouraged. Excellent decision!
Good step by IHC.
We live in US and have successfully protecting our kids from these non Islamic practices while people living in Islamic Republic of Pskistan are dying to celebrate Valentine's Day ! I am perplexed !
Excellent news. What is this valentines day satire? This has nothing to do with Pakistan, Culture, or Religion.
Yes i agree
Good
I agree with this step
Thank you IHC.i m a muslim my culture is not supporting valentine day.
@Mahmood stupid argument ! Love and celebrating love are not estren and western things, love is a beautiful human emotion and it's expression is a globle and timeless tradition. The modern human culture which you are calling 'Western Civilizatio'n calibrates love every day, thousands beautiful people share good time and enjoy the moments of being with each other every day. And yes where there is love and lovely hearts there may be hearts breaks too; love is playing like this from centuries. The icons of alternate to modern civilization are just few countries in the world like Saudi Arabi Sudan may be Iran and some parts of Pakistan. Where millions women even don't know the man well with whom they are ging to spend whole life, many of them are helpless, choice less and some of them living a life of almost servitude. You call this love? You don't have even a remote idea of meanings of love.
Glade,court has tackled the most important issue facing the country.
If you think exposing girls will make our country move farward, you're wrong.
Excellent decidion. I stand with IHC. Hats off to judges.
The country where people are getting killed and no rule of law, the courts are worried about valentines day, cool
So banning valentines days will solve all problem of Pakistan..... how stupid are policy maker of this awfully conservative country!!
@Nadeem Why should the government get involved in social matters, especially since there are much bigger problems like terrorism, crime, corruption, lack of clean drinking water, etc. that the government should be concerned about.
@muhammad usman khan I will explain to you why it is very simple. I do mot celebrate valentines nor do I celebrate holi christmas or vaishakhi but I or you do not have the right to impose our views belefs on others. If you dont want yo celebrate dont but do not stop others that want to rightly or wrongly simple
@muhammad usman khan ! Neither are New Year's Day or birthday celebrations. Ban the lot.
Pakistani society may take some decades to become open to "new" celebrations like this...mainly promoted to increase business among youth.
Can court ban E-Card greetings ?
Has the West banned any days?
Brilliant step by IHC, Say no to so called Valentines Day.
What is the harm if someone wishes to offer flowers, perfume, chocolates or just a few good wishes to his or her spouse on 14th February, which according to some is a Valentines Day. Is it Christmas, is it Easter or any other Christian festival, that we are involved in? Even if it is a Christian festivity, what's wrong with that, as long as nudity, vulgarity or any other negative thing is not invoved.
Love is in the air and no one can ban it.
High court has nothing better to do ? I am pretty sure Pakistan faces a lot more critical issues than Valentine's day.
Why we step in on everything. Does new year on 1st January is Islamic? People will celebrate in their homes. Concentrate on real issues like poverty healthcare and education. We are expert in diverting public attention from real issues. We always compare us with India. See that country is who much progressed despite our best effort to bog her down.
@I am Malala irrelevant answer of the topic
Islam preaches for love between the husband & wife or ( wives) and in Pakistan Valentine Day is mostly celebrated by married couples. I failed to understand what IHC meant to issue orders against.OK if you disallow at public places,people can celebrate it at home.No big deal.
Expressing love to your wife ,fiancée,mother,sister n grandmother is a good way of celebrating Valentine and all those people who oppose it get off your gutter mind
So the Court will decide what to do, when to celebrate and when not to! This is freedom of expression, it does not hurt anyone and the young people have the right to enjoy.
Good job.
Happy Valentine's Day to all Pakistanis
Way to go IHC!!! Proud of you :)
Good decission
Foreign culture is just excuse we even ban local culture of Basant, we just don,t like happiness of any kind. Also show the judge,s mindset I hope no love marriage case come in his court. Mr. Khan at least you have choice of celebrate or not in US, in Pakistan no body have any choice to celebrate if they want.
People who called it,s ban because of imported culture, use all other imported goods like computers, cell phones, cars, TV's, perfumes, face book, whats app etc.
@ishrat salim how about the best Western value of all. Live and let live. That is the basis of their success as a just society.
How many serious cases are pending in courts ? And you are wasting your time on such non sense, and the decision itself, really ?
Way to go ihc
@azmat shah nicely said (y)
Good step banned
say no to valentine's day
Thanks LHC:)
Thanks LHC:)
Good decission
Yes it must be banned
i support the order passed by supreme court..excellent step after a long time.
Assalam o alikum Mashallah Stay with it. Ameen summa ameen
that's great
that's great
Is it banned in China and SA?
@Faisal What if the civil society fail to fulfill its moral duty and let the children wandering unethically
@RAHIM any logica for this Illogical statement.
Yes valentine shouldn't be allowed
Yes it shouldn't be part of our culture
Yes
The Law and Order organizations focusing on the right things. Let the country burn.
Voting must be categorized by publicly. Remarks of sufis, molvis, awamun naas.
This is really a good step by HC Islamabad
Yes I accept Islamabad high Court decision. Brilliant decision. Mubashir Iqbal Ahmed. Pakair@yahoo.com
Yes... I accept Islamabad high Court decision.
Islamabad High Court is brilliant step.
Islamabad high Court Brilliant step
Well done.....
@Mahmood True, you sir are Educated well,
@skumar how unthoughtful, this kind of love achieved nothing, just stories.
@MOin Ali You get off by loving one specific day.
Its a good decision.
I think to show your life to your life partner you dont need only one day in a year, it should be every day ! So therefore we dont need Valentine's Day at all .
@Faisal one voice of sanity. Kudos
@muhammad usman khan It is in the riverse direction, not because its against valentine celebration, but because the courts job is to rule on pressing matters, not on what people celebrate. Rule against the criminals who are killing, robbing, kidnapping, cheating. It is up to the parents to give a code of morality to their children.
Very good step
Agree on IHC decision
@ABE the point is let people love their spouses the way they want in the years to come.
Use of mobile phone to guns bus road are also against tribal Islamic tradition. Can we please ban those too?
Yes I am in agree of HC of islamabad
Very good....
Very good,,
v.good and excellent ihc. because velntine is not a part of islam and our calture. so this is good idea to banned in pakistan and on media channels
great work!!!!
Great
So we have no issues in taking aid from the West, but are against Valentines day?
Yes very very nice .my life all yes
@Nabeel :total agree let us ban disagree
Great step !! This should be been done alot before
@AW if Valentine makes u happy then u can move to western countries cuz this is not a part of our religion or culture
@Skeptic well said
@Love the one they show on TV and during wedding ceremonies are they Islamic
It was the good step .
Why do Pakistani's want to "celebrate" Valentines day anyway? It's not a Pakistani custom. It's not as if Westerners celebrate Eid or Pakistan Independence day. Most Westerners celebrate this by buying presents and taking their partners out. There is no public celebrations. Stop importing pointless customs from the West. Take the productive ideas they possess that help towards human rights, welfare of citizens, healthcare, fair elections, economic improvement etc. Not silly nonsense like Valentines day which is just a marketing opportunity.
@Ahmad Feel sorry for you.
Excellent decision taken by the court regarding valentine day.
Well done .good job by IHC
yes
well dicision islam don't allowed us apraciate court
Yes
Court do very well.
Very good step... we dont need western culture..
@Mishahid Criticism do not value.
we ban exchanging love, but we have no problem with people sleeping on streets, urinating on streets, spitting on street, eve teasing, disobeying traffic rules, pollution, and shouting wherever we want.
Do these judges know that Valentine's Day is about Love and nothing else? It has no religious meaning or importance. It is NOT Christian, Hindu or Muslim. It is human emotion. How can any one be against Love?
@RAHIM There is a big difference in attending cultural events like the West Politicians or celebrities do than following the footsteps of other cultures. Think about it!
@akram You are way off in justifying Valentine day!
@ishrat salim Right on!!!
This will keep misguided people in control. Great move.
Pakistan Supreme Court has nothing else better to do?
Valentines Day is not a Christian, Jewish, Buddhist or Hindu tradition. There is nothing to be afraid of. It is just an excuse to do little business and make some money which would only help local economies. This may bring some joy in people's lives. What's wrong with that Regarding any promiscuity,that goes on all the time regardless whether it is Valentine's day or not.
We need to fire this justice of IHC.
Yes! its a right decision.
Comments are still open after 319 messages. Vow. So popular among readers.
Court and other responsible institutions took important step to remove ill-social ethics. I appreciate, specially Abdul Waheed who contribute his effort in this matter. We should do so.
@shair khan you are right!!!
What a backward decision. Let people do what they want. They're not hurting anyone.
Happy Valentine's Day Pakistan !!
Lets have an anti corruption day and stop wasting time on stuff like this.
@AW In all civil societies, yes the government has to play a role of big brother protecting morality, or else you'll soon have demands of wishing to walk round naked, as an expression of "liberties". There should some lines drawn, this happens to be one, where when given the privilege, people go crazy stretching the truth to become obscene. Here in the US, most follow Valentine in mediocrity, unlike the recent craze in Pakistan
Things like this should be left to accept or reject at a personal level - it is not something for the courts. As for rejecting it because it is "western" and not part of Pakistani culture - what a load of nonsense. Culture changes and evolves over time. Are mobile phones, computers, television, planes, cars etc part of Pakistan's culture? They didn't use to be, but they certainly are now!
Wonderful job. Let's spend our precious resources cracking down on Valentine's Day instead of cracking down on terrorists and corruption. This is truly the way to ensure Pakistan's progress and prosperity. Well done.
Being Pakistanis it's in our culture and nature to intervene in each other's business, you like it not.
We cannot see any body being happy or flourish. Whether courts or individuals.
So the courts are against celebrating Love. unbelievable. What a pitty.
@ABE spot on
Seriously????
Like there aren't numerous other things Pakistan needs to work on but pass a ridiculous law banning Valentine's Day. Pakistan needs to get its priorities straight!!!! No wonder it's a mess!
Childish act To ban simple love exchanges in days of hate, murders, evil outbursts What harm could a love message do?
It should not only be in Islamabad. It should be in whole Pakistan or maybe the whole world. If not non-Muslim countries, at least in Muslim countries!
@Rehana Seriously, banning Valentine's Day celebration is given so much importance, problems of corruption, terrorism, religious hatred, sectarian hatred are ignored by honourable why not ban these too.
Excellent decision taken by IHC. The population most affected are the teens who are supposed to give time to their studies alongwith postive physical activaties like sports, competitions etc. But this event diverts them from all good stuff to getting the opposite sex somehow attracted towards them and promotes vulgarity among them. As for the valentines sales, there can be alit more events to commercialise like Yaum e takbeer- the day we became an atomic power or Quad e Azam day. We dont need vulgarity to boost our sales
culture is culture after all and we should respect our culture, and our culture is the Islamic Culture which gives us lesson of HAYA, Court decision is excellent.
No offence ..but its really funny to see people driving cars with red heart shaped pillow next to the rear wind shield :) i literally 1 dont get them, May be they think they looking very cool by putting those pillows :)
I am from India living in UK. I never celebrated valentine's day.But I think it is for the civil society to decide.Courts should not spend time on these trivial matters.I also think it is very difficult to enforce a ban on celebrations if someone decide to celebrate .